Age: 21
Position: Midfielder
Hometown: Seattle, WA
School: Claremont Mckenna College/Claremont Mudd Scripps (Graduated)
Height: 5-6
Rafi Otero is a second year player for Ballard FC. Before college, Otero played his club soccer for Seattle United and also played for Lakeside where he won a state championship in his senior year. Otero then attended Claremont Mckenna College in 2021 and joined the Claremont Mudd Scripps soccer team. As a freshman Otero received Second Team All-SCIAC honors as he appeared in 16 matches, scoring five goals and assisting once. Then the following year, Otero started in nine matches for the Stags while adding a goal and an assist. In 2023 Otero earned his first First Team All-SCIAC selection, leading his team with nine goals and adding three assists. After a summer with Ballard FC, he returned to CMS for his fourth and final season in fall 2024. Otero finished his career with Third Team All-American, First Team All-Region, and First Team All-SCIAC honors while leading his team to a SCIAC Tournament Title and an NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen appearance.
With Ballard FC: Otero’s first Ballard FC contributions actually come in 2023. Although he was not officially announced to the roster, Otero trained with Ballard FC that summer and even appeared in a friendly win over Cultures United. Then in 2024, Otero was a key part of the Ballard FC midfield. Otero’s best performance came in a 8-1 win over CFC Atletico, where he scored an incredible volley from just outside the box and was named Player of the Match.
