Merritt Mathias is an American soccer forward currently playing for North Carolina Courage in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She previously played for FC Kansas City and Seattle Reign FC.
Merritt Elizabeth Mathias was born on July 2, 1990, in Birmingham, Alabama, United States. She attended and played for Oak Mountain High School. Merritt Mathias was one of the top-ranked recruits in the nation according to Soccer Buzz Magazine. She was a Parade Magazine high school All-America selection in 2007 and the 2006 and 2007 National High School Coaches Association All-America. Later, she attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she played for the Tar Heels for two seasons in 2008 and 2009 before transferring to Texas A&M University where she majored in Agriculture leadership and development.
Merritt Mathias signed on to play with the New York Fury of the WPSL Elite in 2012.
Prior to the start of the National Women’s Soccer League’s inaugural season, Merritt Mathias was selected 22nd overall in the 2013 NWSL Supplemental Draft by FC Kansas City. During the 2013 season, Merritt Mathias started in 20 of the 23 matches in which she played. She scored two goals. During the 2014 season, she helped FC Kansas City finish second in the regular-season standings with a 16–6–2 record and ultimately win the league championship after defeating first-place Seattle Reign FC 2–1. Merritt Mathias started in 18 of the 22 matches in which she played.
In November 2014, Merritt Mathias was transferred to Seattle Reign FC in exchange for Kate Deines and two 2015 draft picks. She stayed three seasons at the team and had 60 matches and scored 2 goals.
Merritt Mathias was transferred to North Carolina Courage in January 2018. She appeared in 22 regular-season games for the Courage, scoring 3 goals. She was an important part of the backline that broke the record for fewest goals conceded and won the NWSL Shield. She was named to the 2018 NWSL Second XI. In the 2018 play-offs, Merritt Mathias was in the starting lineup for the semi-final and final. She recorded an assist in the Championship game as the Courage won the 2018 NWSL Championship.
Merritt Mathias photos
