Maddie Mercado shines in Spokane, including two objectives in two video games — Seattle Reign FC

Reign FC ahead Maddie Mercado’s has been a standout participant for Seattle this season.

Though the attacker’s journey to discovering her place in Reign FC’s beginning lineup wasn’t linear, Mercado has confirmed that she is an affect participant simply 4 matches into the 2026 season.

She first joined the Reign for the 2024 season after being drafted straight out of school. The Notre Dame standout took the sphere 5 occasions throughout the NWSL common season as rookie and recorded one aim, within the Reign’s remaining match of the marketing campaign. Fans have been additionally handled to a glimpse of what she’s able to throughout the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, the place she notched a aim and an help for Seattle.

In 2025, Mercado made 14 complete appearances for the Reign, however spent the summer time on mortgage with Carolina Ascent FC within the Gainbridge Super League, the place she instantly made a reputation for herself. In her debut with the membership, she set a brand new league file for the quickest aim in league historical past, discovering the again of the online simply 43 seconds into her first look. In six appearances for the squad earlier than being recalled to Seattle, she added 4 objectives.

“We know that when she came back from her loan last year, she was in really good form and had been scoring goals in the USL, and I’m so glad she could get on the score sheet tonight because she thoroughly deserved it,” mentioned Reign FC Head Coach Harvey as Mercado opened her account for the season.

Mercado has made three appearances in 4 matches for the Reign this season, beginning in each. She’s made essentially the most of these minutes after a irritating match in Portland, as she has now netted objectives in back-to-back matches and is tied with Brittany Ratcliffe as Reign FC’s main aim scorer.

“I thought Maddie Mercado, again, was excellent today,” praised Harvey.

Her first goal of the season came against the Kansas City Current, as she got on the end of a cross into the box from Sofia Huerta and astutely headed the ball into the back of the net to extend the Reign’s lead. Tonight, she used another tool in her belt, opting to quickly turn toward goal from the center of the field and unleash a low and powerful shot from distance.

The 2026 season has seen Mercado press higher up the field consistently, unlocking herself as a clear threat in the attack. Her keen ability and willingness to fire off shots in tight places has come in handy, in addition to her refined hold up play.

The goals she has scored in a short time this season are just one small part of what she brings to the table as she accumulates well-earned minutes on the pitch.

“It’s an opportunity of if you don’t shoot, you don’t score. She took her goal on Wednesday superbly, and I’m really happy for her that she got another opportunity to do that again.”

Mercado’s growth has been undeniable this season. But it hasn’t occurred in a silo. A combination of individual hard work and the club’s focus on player development continues to shine in Reign FC’s lineup, through players like Mercado and Sam Meza, who have returned from loan and found their home in the lineup.

The trademark tenacity and grit of the Reign is exemplified in Mercado and this is just the start for the 24-year-old.

Harvey mentioned, “She’s worked really, really hard over the years that she’s been with us, and now she’s starting to see the reward of that hard work. I’m really happy for her.”