ExStanford midfielder Macario turns pro with Lyon
Former Stanford midfielder Catarina Macario, a promising prospect for the U. S. women’s national team, has signed her first professional contract with French powerhouse Lyon.
The seventime European champion said Tuesday that Macario signed a 21⁄ 2year deal until June 2023.
The Brazilian announced last week she would skip her senior season and pursue a professional career. On a conference call with reporters Tuesday, Macario said she reached the decision to go pro after consulting with family. She said the uncertainty caused by coronavirus restrictions also played a part.
“I just wanted to have consistent playing, especially ahead of the Olympics. And so I am fresh out of college and I’m just looking for a new adventure. I think the best thing for me is just to experience a new culture and just learn from the best in the world,” Macario said.
Macario became a U. S. citizen in October but she hasn’t received approval yet from FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, to play for the U. S. national team.
The twotime winner of the MAC Hermann Trophy as the nation’s best college player, Macario had a Stanford season record of 32 goals and 23 assists last season. She was called up to her first nationalteam camp the same day she became a citizen.
Macario said she hopes to someday play for the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States.
“I’m not sure necessarily when, but obviously as an American, it is my dream to play where I reside and so I will definitely be coming back,” she said.
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