IRVINE, Calif. – Orange County SC announced on Tuesday it had signed former Houston Dynamo center back Leonardo for the 2019 USL Championship season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Leonardo arrives at the club with a wealth of experience having spent the past nine years in Major League Soccer with the LA Galaxy and the Dynamo. The 31-year-old has made more than 145 appearances in the top flight and has won both the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup in his career.

“I couldn't be happier that we have come to terms with Leonardo. He is a top-notch professional both on and off the field,” said Orange County Head Coach Braeden Cloutier. “He will be a fantastic addition to our team and back line.”

The Brazilian first moved to the United States in 2010, when he joined the Galaxy on loan from Sao Paulo FC of Brazil’s Sèrie A. In his first season with the Galaxy he helped lead the club to the MLS Supporters’ Shield. In 2012, his move to the Galaxy was made permanent and he went on to have a vastly successful time with the club, making more than 100 appearances as the Galaxy won MLS Cup three times in 2011, 2012 and 2014. Leonardo was voted the Galaxy’s Defender of the Year in 2015.

“I am very happy and thankful to be here at Orange County SC,” said Leonardo. “This club has grown so much over the past few years and I am looking forward to winning a championship here. I would like to thank Orange County for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

Following his time with the Galaxy, Leonardo joined the Houston Dynamo in 2017. He made an instant impact, making more than 30 appearances in first season and helped lead the club to the Western Conference Final of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. He continued his success with the club in 2018 as the Dynamo won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time in club history.

“We are very excited to add Leonardo, an experienced center back who’s quality and leadership will have a significant impact on our team,” said Orange County General Manager and Executive Vice President Oliver Wyss. “His signing clearly indicates that we are not resting on last year’s success and are continuing our pursuit of winning the USL Cup this season.”