Maddie Mercado shines in Spokane, adding two goals in two games

Reign FC forward Maddie Mercado’s has been a standout player for Seattle this season.

Though the attacker’s journey to finding her place in Reign FC’s starting lineup wasn’t linear, Mercado has proven that she is an impact player just four matches into the 2026 season.

She first joined the Reign for the 2024 season after being drafted straight out of college. The Notre Dame standout took the field five times during the NWSL regular season as rookie and recorded one goal, in the Reign’s final match of the campaign. Fans were also treated to a glimpse of what she’s capable of during the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, where she notched a goal and an assist for Seattle.

In 2025, Mercado made 14 total appearances for the Reign, but spent the summer on loan with Carolina Ascent FC in the Gainbridge Super League, where she immediately made a name for herself. In her debut with the club, she set a new league record for the fastest goal in league history, finding the back of the net just 43 seconds into her first appearance. In six appearances for the squad before being recalled to Seattle, she added four goals.

“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,” said Reign FC Head Coach Harvey as Mercado opened her account for the season.

Mercado has made three appearances in four matches for the Reign this season, starting in each one. She’s made the most of those minutes after a frustrating match in Portland, as she has now netted goals in back-to-back matches and is tied with Brittany Ratcliffe as Reign FC’s leading goal 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 said, “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.”