On December 25, 2024, Alice Soto, the promising young forward, made headlines as she officially joined Rayadas del Monterrey after spending four enriching years with Pachuca Femenil. This transfer marks a significant step forward for the 18-year-old player, who has quickly established herself as one of the standout talents in Mexican women's soccer.
Before her move, Soto expressed her emotions through a heartfelt video, bidding farewell to the Pachuca fans and the club. "I wouldn’t be who I am without your support from the moment I debuted and started playing professionally. You will always be with me in my heart," she shared, reflecting on her growth during her time with the Tuzas.
Alice Soto kicked off her professional career at just 13 years old when she debuted in Liga MX Femenil on February 24, 2020, against Querétaro. Over the course of her tenure with Pachuca, she has participated in 117 matches, during which she scored 18 goals. Her most prolific season came during the Apertura 2023, where she netted five goals across four matches, demonstrating her offensive prowess.
Her performance did not go unnoticed; Alice was awarded the 2023 Balón de Oro for being the best young player in Liga BBVA MX Femenil. This accolade is just one highlight of her burgeoning career which also includes being chosen for various national teams. She represented Mexico at several levels, including the Sub-17 team and recently the senior national team, where she made her debut under coach Pedro López, netting two goals against Thailand.
Rayadas del Monterrey, the reigning back-to-back champions of Liga MX Femenil, reinforced their attack with the addition of Soto, aiming to secure their third consecutive championship. Their choice reflects their commitment to developing new talent as well as maintaining their stronghold on the league. Upon announcing her transfer, the club welcomed her with graphics showcasing her new jersey with the number 30, symbolizing the bright future they envision with her on the team.
The direct competition for wattage among the squad's talented roster is undoubtedly fierce, but Soto’s previous achievements position her well to vie for significant playing time. "We are aiming to win!" the team's official Twitter account exuberantly posted, capturing the excitement surrounding her signing.
Beyond her accolades and potential, Soto's arrival has sparked discussions among fans and players alike about the impact she will have on the team's strategy moving forward. Given the club's strong foundation and her upward momentum, there is hope for vibrant new tactics on the field.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Soto’s training with Pachuca provided her with the necessary skills to thrive on the professional stage. She developed through the ranks, not only contributing to the first team but also playing significant matches with youth categories such as U-17 and U-20, where she claimed championship titles and garnered individual recognition.
The importance of her transition cannot be understated; it signifies the continual evolution of women's soccer within Mexico, especially as clubs like Rayadas and Pachuca lead the charge for gender equity and visibility. Soto's transfer is more than just a change of jerseys; it's emblematic of the growth and future of female athletes on the national level.
Alice’s ambition to continue excelling and achieve personal goals within the sport is observed, as she seeks to push herself harder each day. She has expressed her commitment to her new team's success, stating, "I will always give my best, and I will strive for all my goals so you can take pride in my success."
With the Clausura 2025 tournament on the horizon, expectations are high for both Soto and Rayadas. Fans will eagerly watch as she steps onto the field, rooting for her to become not only a key player but potentially one of the defining athletes of her generation.
The fervor surrounding her move brings hope and excitement for what's to come. Alice Soto’s transfer echoes the relentless pursuit of excellence, and as she dons the Rayadas jersey, the stage is set for her remarkable talent to shine. There’s no doubt this new chapter will captivate audiences and inspire future generations of players.
