Has Zac MacMath Played His Last Game for The Philadelphia Union?
By Phil Naegely
Sep 13, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath (18) warms up before the match against the New York Red Bulls at PPL Park. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
With Rais M’Bohli not returning to Philadelphia until Friday after being called-up to the Algerian National Team, it appears that he will not start Saturday against Sporting Kansas City. As a result, Zac MacMath will most like start his second straight game, but Jim Curtin could start Andre Blake instead. This is because the Union can’t make the playoffs.
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After being a back up to Faryd Mondragón in 2011, MacMath became the starter in 2012. He held this role until M’Bohli’s entrance in July when he controversially lost the starting role and verdict is still out if his signing was worth it. In addition to having generation Adidas player and goalie Andre Blake, it seems like MacMath’s days are coming to an end in Philly.
In 2015 New York City FC and Orlando City SC will join MLS and will be making their Expansion Draft picks in 2014. As a result, current teams will have to protect players from being drafted in December. However, with M’Bohli and Blake on the roster it appears like the Union will either try to trade MacMath before the Expansion Draft or he will be taken by either Orlando or NYCFC.
It would be very bad if the Union get nothing in return for MacMath’s services. Currently, MacMath makes $120,000, which is half of M’Bohli’s salary. The former’s salary isn’t that big and Philadelphia could find a possible trade partner for MacMath.
With that information in mind, the Union may give Blake some senior team playing time. Blake has sat on the bench for most of the season after being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Philadelphia is already eliminated from the playoffs, so giving Blake some time in goal would be wise.
Yes, MacMath should be playing, however, the No. 1 pick in the draft should also find another start. His first only MLS start came on August 15th against the Houston Dynamo. In my mind, he should be playing their Union’s final two games.
On the other hand, MacMath should start two games in what seems to be his final two games in a Philadelphia Union. Yet, M’Bohli will most likely get the nod in the Union’s season finale.
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There’s been very little indication from team officials if this is McMath’s final season in Philadelphia. However, all signs point to him not being in a Union jersey in 2015. Has he already played his last game at PPL Park and in front of the Sons of Ben? Well, that verdict is still out and we will find out Saturday. Likewise, Curtin may give Blake the starting gig Saturday, however, only Curtin knows which lineup he will choose.
Essentially, Curtin has multiple goalkeeper options to choose from. Each has their pros and cons, but are each logical choices in the final two games. This Saturday Curtin has MacMath and Blake to choose from before having all three goalie options for their season finale against Columbus the following week.