‘I’m so happy to be in Spokane’; Elite Velocity goalkeeper Carlos Merancio reflects on meteoric rise

SPOKANE, Wash. – From fighting on the bench to a lockdown starter, Carlos Merancio proved himself as the sure-handed goalkeeper for the Spokane Velocity.

“I was patient working behind the scenes, and I think that reflects this year,” Merancio said.

The Mexican national blossomed to a league-best save percentage and tied for the most shutouts, those stats helping him to a USL League One Mid-Season Goalkeeper of the Year nominee.

“be there and show up when the team needs me,” Merancio said. “I’m very competitive, and I want to win everything, but I just focus on everyday working, helping my team.”

The goalie’s elite back line has been essential this year too, and their chemistry and communication is top-notch.

“He’s been great,” defender Ismaila Jome said. “He’s saved us in a lot of good moments, and he’s been consistent all throughout the season, so it’s been amazing to see him perform.”

“It grows every single day that we’re out here,” defender Derek Waldeck said. “I think from the time that we spend together in the locker room, on the road, traveling, all that good stuff, we’re just growing and our friendships and relationships off the field, but that helps us that much more on the field.”

But despite all the on-field success he’s had, Merancio wants to pay it all forward, helping start up a goalkeeper camp in Arizona when he played for FC Tucson.

“For me, it’s very important, the human,” Merancio said. “And how they transfer their learnings from soccer to life, and that’s one of my key points in my coaching.”

The camp helps to train youth just like Carlos says he wishes he could’ve had at that young age, and he plans to soon launch a similar camp here in Spokane.

“I’m so happy to be in Spokane,” Merancio said. “I’m happy to be here, and that reflects on the field. I think it starts from day-by-day and just being humble, working hard and just reminding that we’re here to work and help each other and grow.”