Oct 11, 2014; Chester, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath (18) makes a save on a shot by Columbus Crew midfielder Ethan Finlay (13) during the second half of the match at PPL Park. The Columbus Crew won the match 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
2. Zac MacMath
Since the Philadelphia Union signed Algerian goalie Rais M’Bohli during the Summer transfer window, many Union fans wondered what the team would do with Zac MacMath. Many people thought it was foolish and a mistake to sign M’Bohli, yet the front office thinks it was a wise move.
In addition to M’Bohli, No. 1 overall pick from the 2014 SuperDraft is sitting on the bench unused. It appears M’Bohli is the starter moving forward with Blake being the back up.
MLS Multiplex
With the Expansion Draft in December, Philadelphia would be wise to attempt to trade MacMath. Yes, he just started his 100th MLS match on Saturday against Columbus, but it seems unwise to protect all three goalies. Blake is automatically protected due to his generation Adidas status, but it’s not common for a team to use two protection selections on goalies. There are other players the Union need to protect.
Keeping this in mind, it would be better if the Union received something in exchange for their young, experienced goalie instead of letting him slip away for nothing in the expansion draft. At the same time, Blake could be on the trading block, but his contract doesn’t count towards the Union’s tight salary cap.
Come the 2015 season don’t expect to see M’Bohli, MacMath, and Blake all in a Union jersey. My bet is that Philadelphia finds a suitor for MacMath before the Expansion Draft. One team that comes to mind is the Houston Dynamo.