Jose Carlos Mercado (born September 27, 1999) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Major League Soccer club Orlando City. Mercado represented the United States and Mexico at a youth level.
Youth and college career.
Mercado joined the FC Dallas Academy in 2014 and participated in the Dallas Cup's 2015, 2016, and 2017 editions, including winning the 2017 edition. Mercado also participated in multiple U.S. Soccer Development Academy championships, including winning the 2014–15 and 2015–16 U-15/16 championships with the academy.
In 2018, Mercado began playing college soccer at the University of the Incarnate Word. Mercado made 15 appearances in the 2018 season, making his debut against the Saint Mary's Gaels in a 6–0 loss on August 24. In 2019, Mercado recorded his first college shutout in a 1–0 win against the Liberty Flames on September 1.
Club career.
Des Moines Menace.
On May 9, 2018, Mercado was announced to be on USL League Two (then the Premier Development League) side Des Moines Menace's roster. Mercado made his debut on June 1 in a 2–1 win over Kaw United FC and he recorded his first shutout on June 10 in a 3–0 victory over FC Manitoba. Des Moines finished first in the regular season with zero losses and one draw in the Heartland Division with the highest points total in the league, with Mercado only conceding half of Des Moines' six conceded goals. Mercado played in both of Des Moines' playoffs matches, but the club was defeated 1–0 by Chicago FC United in the Central Conference Final.
Laredo Heat.
On March 21, 2019, Mercado joined Laredo Heat in the National Premier Soccer League.
Corpus Christi FC.
Mercado joined Corpus Christi FC in USL League Two for the 2019 season. Mercado made one appearance for the club when he played half of an 8–1 loss to Brazos Valley Cavalry FC on June 1 in which he conceded half of those goals.
San Antonio FC.
On March 6, 2020, Mercado joined San Antonio FC in the USL Championship. Mercado made one appearance for the club and made his professional debut when he came on as a 62nd-minute substitute for Matt Cardone on October 31, 2021 after Cardone sustained an injury in a 3–0 win over Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Mercado was let go at the end of the 2021 USL Championship season, but he rejoined the club on February 14, 2023 for the 2023 USL Championship season. Mercado made just two appearances in this stint with the club, a 2–1 win over Club de Lyon on April 4 in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup and a 3–1 win over Birmingham Legion on July 1 before once again departing the club at the end of the season.
Orlando City B.
On March 15, 2024, Mercado was announced to be part of Orlando City B's 2024 MLS Next Pro season roster. On March 16, Mercado made his debut for Orlando City B in the season opener at Atlanta United 2 in a 3–2 victory, playing the full match. On August 11, Mercado recorded his first clean sheet in a goalless draw against Crown Legacy FC. On October 20, Mercado made his MLS Next Pro playoffs debut in a 1–1 draw at Chicago Fire II, but he was unable to stop any of Chicago's penalties in the ensuing shootout and Orlando City B were eliminated 5–4 on penalties.
On June 26, 2025, Mercado was selected to compete in the Goalie Wars in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on July 22 at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas alongside three other goalkeepers from MLS Next Pro.
Orlando City.
On September 20, 2024, Mercado was signed to a First Team contract with Orlando City through 2024 with options for 2025, 2026, and 2027. In December 2024, Mercado's option for extension was declined at the conclusion of the season without him making an appearance for the club. However, on January 30, 2025, Mercado was resigned to the team on a one-year deal with club options for 2026 and 2027 following Mason Stajduhar's departure earlier in the month.
Personal life.
Mercado is the uncle of fellow professional soccer player Sebastian Mercado and played alongside him at San Antonio FC.
International career.
Youth.
Mercado has played for the United States at the U16 level and Mexico at the U18 level.
Honors.
Des Moines Menace