The Boston Breakers acquired Melinda Mercado from the Western New York Flash today. The Breakers traded their second round draft pick of the 2014 NWSL College Draft to the Flash in exchange for the defender.
Mercado will help a depleted Boston backline after injuries to first-round draft pick Casey Short and midfielder/converted defender Bianca D’Agostino and the retirement of Heather Mitts. Her height should also be a good asset for the Breakers, as she is now the tallest player at 5’10”.
If the Breakers press release is any indication, Breakers Head Coach Lisa Cole likes Mercado’s ability to play wide and in the center of the field. Having depth on the bench for centerbacks Cat Whitehill and Kia McNeill was definitely lacking prior to the trade.
Additionally, the iimmediate assistance she will provide to the Breakers back line in 2013 may be worth the price, as the 2014 College Draft is expected to be a deep, talented field.
Melinda Mercado enjoyed a successful college career at Oklahoma State University, including being named the Big 12 Conference Defender of the Year for two consecutive seasons.
She is expected to join the team as early as tomorrow, April 30.
