Midfielder Maddie Mercado re-signs with Seattle Reign on one-year deal
By Becca Weinberg, edited by Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - Our Seattle Reign FC announced today that midfielder Maddie Mercado has been re-signed to a one-year deal through the 2025 NWSL season, bringing the 2024 draftee back as the club looks to lock up some depth in the middle of the field with some veterans departing in free agency.
Mercado was drafted 27th overall by the Reign in the 2024 NWSL Draft, and appeared in five games last season, scoring one goal in the club’s final match of the regular season. The rookie midfielder also made two starts in three appearances during the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. Mercado recorded her first professional goal and assist against Club Tijuana in a 3-2 loss at the end of July, in that tournament that was a great opportunity for the Reign’s younger players and depth pieces to showcase why they may deserve extended minutes.
“We’re delighted to announce the return of Maddie Mercado. Last season, our fans caught a glimpse of her incredible potential, and we’re confident that her sophomore season will be even more remarkable. Maddie is a talented young professional with a winning mindset that elevates every training session, game, and moment on the pitch. Her ability to make an impact at crucial moments is exceptional, and we look forward to watching her growth and contributions this year.”
Seattle Reign FC midfielder Maddie Mercado scored her first career NWSL goal when she found the back of the net against Tijuana this past season. (Photos by Rio Giancarlo)
Mercado did not play significant minutes during her first NWSL season, but showed promise as a versatile attacking midfielder, and the team is confident she will continue to build on her success.
“I’m grateful to sign with the club for another season. I learned so much in my first year as a professional and can’t wait to continue developing around the team and within this culture.”
Prior to joining the Reign, Mercado made 94 appearances for the University of Notre Dame, recording 26 goals and 12 assists. During her final three seasons, Mercado played in every game for the team, earning Second Team All-ACC honors in 2023 and Third Team All-ACC honors in 2022. She has also represented the United States at multiple youth stages with the U.S. Women’s Youth National Team, most recently with the U-19 team in 2020.
While the team continues finding the right place for Mercado next season within the midfield, she has shown exciting talent and a dedicated work ethic that will be exciting to watch this upcoming season.
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Check out our previous Seattle Reign FC articles here.
Check out our previous articles with writing at CSS by Becca Weinberg here, and her work with Lookout Landing here.
Check out our previous articles with photos by Rio Giancarlo here, and his portfolio here.
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