San Diego Wave forward Melanie Barcenas, 15, became the youngest player to appear in an NWSL game Saturday against the Orlando Pride. Here’s what you need to know:
- Barcenas entered the game as a substitute in the 72nd minute. The Wave lost the game 3-1.
- The San Diego native signed a three-year deal with the Wave in March at 15 years and 138 days old, becoming the youngest contracted player ever in the league. She signed via the NWSL’s new under-18 entry mechanism.
- The 5-foot-4 Barcenas played youth soccer with the San Diego Surf and has been called up to multiple U.S. women’s youth national teams. She recently joined the under-17 squad for games against England.
Melanie Barcenas making her NWSL debut.
The youngest player in NWSL history! pic.twitter.com/Bc6H9lOXzK
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
How did Barcenas look?
Barcenas subbed on in the 72′ while the Wave were still down 3-1 to the Pride. It was as good a vote of confidence that any player could get from coach Casey Stoney, let alone a 15-year-old. Barcenas came on as a forward and occupied the right half space looking to support Amirah Ali and Jaedyn Shaw in the box. She immediately faced up multiple players one-on-one, although Orlando defenders…
