Colorado Rapids surprised many by nabbing Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath in the latest drafts. The 23-year-old was seen as one of the best young goalkeepers in the MLS and it was a surprise that Philadelphia decided to let him leave. He will be spending the next one year at Colorado Rapids, who have offered the second round draft pick in exchange.
Speaking about the move,MacMath acknowledged that he did not see himself being first-team player at Philadelphia this season. This is despite featuring in almost 30 matches last campaign.
Union coach Jim Curtin explanation was that Philadelphia already had three top goalkeepers and it did not make sense to have a lot of resources in one position alone. This was made a favourable by the fact that Colorado Rapids were looking to strengthen the goalkeeping position. Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni endured a disappointing debut season at the club, as they finished only eighth in the league. It was outside the play-offs, butMastroeni has promised better performances with the freedom to change the squad as per his wish.
Rapids had the worst defence in the league last season after conceding a whopping 62 goals from the 34 matches. Hence, defensive solidarity has been a key issue for the club to address during the off-season.
“I spent a lot of time assessing all of the different areas where we thought we wanted to improve, and the goalkeeper position was one where we felt we could add more competition. Zac is a player that fits our profile. He’s a young player, but he’s got some good experience in the league. He had a good campaign last year — the best of his career,” Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni said. “Zac served the club well. He’s still our property, he’s still getting games, he’s still a young goalkeeper,” Union coach Jim Curtin said.