MEXICO CITY, Mexico --- Anteater graduate
Destinee Manzo begins her professional career with Club America of LigaMX signing in Mexico.
The Southern California native joined the Anteaters in 2019 played three seasons over four years after beginning her collegiate career at the University of Portland. In her three seasons for the Anteaters, the offensive threat helped the squad to a Big West regular season title, two Big West Championships, and two deep NCAA Tournament runs with wins over UCLA, USC, and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen a year ago.
The All-West Region Second-Teamer finished her Anteater career playing 64 matches, starting 60 times for nearly 4,000 minutes, scoring 10 goals, putting away four game-winners, assisting on nine, and totaling 29 points.
"Closing my chapter at UCI felt so rewarding, I'm grateful for my teammates and coaches for fulfilling my dreams of playing at a university and graduating with my degree. Now, I'm starting a new chapter in my soccer career playing for Club America and living out such surreal dreams. I'm so greateful for this opportunity and can't wait to start representing the biggest club in Mexico."
Manzo joins a lengthy list of Anteaters to play for the club that began with Janelly Farias who is today playing at Pachuca. Kiana Palacios remains with the club having recently captained the club to a 2023 LigaMX Clausura title. Scarlett Camberos was also with the club for a season and now holds it down in the NWSL for nearby Angel City FC.
Manzo also returns to Mexico where she is has dual citizenship. She played for Instituto de Los Mexicanos en El Exterior in the country's Olimpiada Nacional helping them earn a gold in 2014 and bronze in 2015.
Manzo will wear No. 21 for the club, and made her debut with the club Friday night entering in the 81st minute in Club America's match with Tigres.
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