Sounders Women News Release - www.sounderswomen.com
Friday, March 29, 2013
TUKWILA, Wash. – The Seattle Sounders Women have signed Rachel Mercik and Genessee Daughetee from the University of California-Berkeley for the 2013 W-League campaign. Mercik, a forward, adds more U.S. U-20 National Team quality to the Sounders attack, while Daughetee is an outside back with speed comparable to another Cal-Berkeley and Sounders alum - Alex Morgan.
The University of California-Berkeley was 16-6 this past season, with five of the losses coming against eventual NCAA Tournament teams. Cal’s tournament run ended in the second round against No. 2 seed San Diego State. The Bears outscored opponents 45-23 during the season.
Mercik, 21, is a veteran of the U.S. Youth National Team system, having played on the U.S. U-16, U-17, U-18, and U-20 National Teams. The wing/forward has scored a total of seven goals and added eight assists in her three years at Cal. Mercik is an excellent 1v1 player who provides sharp service with her crosses. She played in all 22 matches last year.
“It is such an honor to be asked to play for such an elite team, with such elite players," Mercik said. "It's going to be fun teaming up with some of my fellow PAC-12 rivals! I look forward to the new experience, as well as the high level training that will improve my game.”
Like Mercik, Daughetee played in every match for the Bears in 2012. She is regarded as one of the fastest players in the PAC-12 and can play as a wide midfielder or outside back. The 20-year-old has played in 61 matches for Cal in her first three years.
“I feel proud and blessed to be given the chance to play for such a high-caliber team," Daughetee said. "This is an amazing opportunity, and I can’t wait to meet the team in Seattle!”
This will be the first season for Mercik and Daughetee in the W-League's Western Conference.
“I’ve only heard great things about the Sounders Women,” Daughetee added. “[I know] mostly that they are a force to be reckoned with, and they've had many big names, like my former Cal teammate, Alex Morgan, rep the Sounders jersey. I’ve also heard that the Western Conference is one of the most competitive and talented conferences of the W-League.”
While both players are California natives, and will be new to Seattle, they know the power of Rave Green.
“When I wear the Sounders jersey for the first time, I know it will be a huge statement," Mercik said. "The Sounders are a well-known, well-loved organization, and are giving me a great opportunity to live and breathe soccer at an elite level. [It will be] my first real taste of what life as a pro might be like. It also means that I have shown to the coaches and players around me that I have what it takes to play in a league that the best of the best play in. I could not be more proud of wearing that jersey this summer."
The Sounders Women open up preseason on April 14 against Oregon State University. Single-match and season tickets are currently on sale on SoundersWomen.com.