Zac MacMath Loaned to Colorado Rapids in Exchage for Draft Pick
By Phil Naegely
It’s official. After much speculation and many rumors, Zac MacMath is on his way to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a 2015 MLS SuperDraft 2nd Round pick. The Rapids own two 2nd round picks, 26th and 41st, and will give the Union the 41st overall pick for acquiring MacMath on a season long loan. If the Rapids want to retain him for the 2016 MLS season, they will have to give the Union their highest 2016 MLS SuperDraft pick.
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Ironically, the Union will open their 2015 MLS season on the road against the Colorado Rapids on March 7th. Due to MLS rules, players on loan with another MLS team can not play against their original team. This means MacMath will not feature against the Union.
Shortly after the news broke, Zac MacMath took to Twitter thank those apart of his playing career in Philadelphia especially the Union fans and supports, including the Sons of Ben.
This move is a prime opportunity for MacMath to get noticed and raise his value. After trying to trade him for most of the 2014 MLS season, it is clear other MLS teams don’t value MacMath’s worth much. There are many pros and cons to the loan deal. If MacMath earns regular playing time in 2015, his value could rise and the Union might be able to find a suitor in a trade. Likewise, Colorado could extend the loan for the 2016 season as well. At the same time, MacMath’s 2016 season is an option year on his contract, so if he doesn’t play much or well, then the Union could not pick up his option and MacMath would go into the Re-Entry Draft pool according to current MLS rules.
In addition to MacMath taking to Twitter to say thanks, some of his current and former Union teammates shared their appreciation and best of lucks during his loan period.
Wishing a great teammate & friend @ZacMacMath all the best in Colorado with the @ColoradoRapids.
— ray gaddis (@raygaddis) January 7, 2015
For now, MacMath heads to the Colorado Rapids as Union fans wonder when their team will sign another keeper. Yes, they have two on their current roster with Rais MBohli and Andre Blake, but both were regular participants for their national teams in 2014 and the same is set to occur in 2015. Due to this fact, the Union will need a keeper to fill-in in their absences.
How do you think MacMath will do in a change of scenery with the Rapids? Let us know in the comments section below.