Leo Burney Signs Homegrown Contract with the Seattle Sounders

Ballard FC 2024 co-captain and three-year center-back, Leo Burney, has signed a homegrown deal with the Seattle Sounders.

Burney, a Seattle native, came to Ballard FC with lots of hype, and would go on to exceed all expectations. Before his Ballard debut, Burney was part of the Seattle Sounders academy for five years, winning the U.S. Soccer Development Academy national title in 2018. Burney’s time in the academy earned him a place on the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) men’s soccer team, where he received First Team All-Ivy honors and was named a Second Team All-Freshman by College Soccer News in his first collegiate season. Heading into the Ballard FC season, Burney was named to the USL League Two Top Prospects list. In our inaugural season, Burney played in all 15 USL2 matches enroute to a Western Conference Final appearance. After center-back Angelo Calfo’s injury, Burney had to step up and lead the backline the rest of the season.

After a great summer with Ballard FC, Burney built upon that success while at Penn in the fall. In 2022, Burney won his first Ivy League Defender of the Year award and was named an All-American. That season, Burney won his first Ivy League Title with Penn. Burney would keep collecting trophies the following summer with Ballard FC. Burney helped the club win its first division title, conference championship, and national championship. That season, Burney started in all 17 USL2 matches, winning 15 of them. With injuries causing shifts in defense, Burney remained rock solid at the back, no matter who his center-back partner was. In 2023, Burney also began adding value to the attack, scoring his first two goals for the club that summer.

Later that fall, Burney was named First Team All-Ivy for a third time, and received his second First Team All-Region selection as Penn won their second straight Ivy League Regular Season Title. After another successful collegiate season, Burney came to Ballard FC as club co-captain in 2024, alongside center-back partner Christian Engmann. As captains, Burney and Engmann led the club to its second straight Northwest Division Title.

In his fourth and final collegiate season, Burney won his second Ivy League Defender of the Year award and helped Penn win a third consecutive Ivy League Regular Season Title.

Burney’s NCAA and USL2 accomplishments helped him realize a childhood dream, becoming a Seattle Sounder.

Burney leaves Ballard FC as a club legend, featuring in 43 of the club’s 47 USL2 matches, making 42 starts. In those 43 matches, Ballard FC kept 14 clean sheets, had a 31-7-5 (W-L-T) record, and a +71 goal differential.

Reflecting on his time with Ballard FC, Burney said, “It means everything to me to have played on such a talented team in front of family and friends for the last three years. I’ve experienced unforgettable moments like winning the national championship, and will cherish playing alongside my friends in front of amazing crowds. Up The Bridges!”

Ballard FC Co-Founder and President, Sam Zisette, lauded Burney with praise, “We are all so proud of Leo and excited for his future. For the past three seasons, Leo was a major part of our on-field success and also led by example in his professionalism and commitment to the community. We’re wishing him all the best, and can’t wait to cheer him on with the Sounders.”

Since the club’s inception, Ballard FC has had a connection to the Seattle Sounders. Former Sounder and current Sounders TV broadcast member, Lamar Neagle, is one of three Ballard FC co-founders. Jason Farrell, a member of the Sounders inaugural team, was Ballard FC’s head coach for two seasons, and was replaced by current head coach James Riley, who won three U.S. Open Cups with the Sounders. Many Seattle Sounders Academy players have played for Ballard FC, but Burney is the first Ballard FC player to sign a first-team contract with the Sounders. Ballard FC is proud of the organizational connection to the Sounders, and hopes to see it continue to grow.

Ballard FC is proud to be part of Leo’s incredible soccer journey, and we are excited to watch and support Leo in his professional career. Keep tabs on Leo and other Ballard FC players who have made it to professional soccer with our alumni page.