Seattle Reign FC announced on Wednesday that they have signed midfielder Maddie Mercado to a one-year contract for the 2024 NWSL season. The club selected Mercado with the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft.
“I’m so excited to officially sign with the Reign. Since getting drafted, the coaches, players and staff have truly helped me feel prepared,” said Mercado in a team release. “We’re always competing at a high level throughout training and the culture is very supportive. This group is special and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”
Mercado played her college career at the University of Notre Dame, where she had 26 goals and 12 assists in 92 appearances. She was a steady presence on the front line for the Fighting Irish, playing in every game of her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons. She earned Second Team All-ACC honors in 2023 and Third Team All-ACC honors in 2022.
Mercado is a versatile attacker and distributor known for her creative playmaking.
When asked to describe her style, Maddie said: "I love to combine, especially in the attacking third. I think being creative, both on and off the field, is something that's always kind of been fun for me, especially when you can set your teammates up for goals, set yourself up for goal, have a few pretty combinations and break the line and whatnot, so that's kind of the way that I like to play."
Top Drawer Soccer had this to say about Mercado: "With better finishing [by her teammates] on chances she created, Mercado would have had an even better statistical season than her nine goals and two assists. As a left-footed long-range shooting specialist with the stats to back it up, the San Diego Surf graduate has caught the eye of scouts over the last few seasons as someone who can create something from nothing."
"Maddie Mercado is an extremely talented player with a very high ceiling. She has had a consistent preseason amongst a talented group of midfielders,” said Reign General Manager Lesle Gallimore. “We can't wait to see her continue to develop and contribute to the club's success."
Mercado joins Sam Meza as the second 2024 Reign draft pick to be signed and brings the team's active roster to 26 players, along with two additional players on loan through June.
