USC graduate named to USL Championship Team of the Week
Robbie Mertz has been named to USL Championship Team of the Week, following his performance during the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Soccer Club’s 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls II Aug. 8 at Highmark Stadium.
The midfielder scored two goals in the match. The first goal came on a penalty kick in the third minute and the second occurred during the 61st minute when the Upper St. Clair native crashed the net and slotted home a loose ball in-close.
Mertz has recorded three goals and one assist for seven points in his second season with the Hounds. His three goals, as well as six chances created, rank second most on the team.
Mertz was also named to the Team of the Week in Week 3 – July 14. He finished his 2019 rookie year with six goals in 26 appearances.
The Colorado Rapids selected Mertz as the No. 76 overall pick of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The Rapids later released him prior to their second preseason camp.
Mertz competed at the University of Michigan from 2015-2018. During his junior and senior campaigns, he was named United Soccer Coaches All-North Region, second team as a senior and third team as a junior; and All-Big Ten, first team as a senior and second team as a junior. In April 2019, he was awarded the Big Ten Medal of Honor, an award presented for academic and athletic achievement.
Mertz played in 76 collegiate games, with 55 starts. He scored nine goals and 12 assists for the Wolverines.
Mertz led USC to back-to-back state championships in 2012 and 2013. The national and regional All-American was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Pennsylvania for the 2014-15 season. The son of Rob and Kelly Mertz also completed a stint with the Riverhounds Development Academy and played his youth soccer for Century United.