Zac MacMath Rumors: Philadelphia Union Send GK to Sporting KC?
By Phil Naegely
According to Bearfight Brigade, a Philadelphia Union supporter group, and their sources, the Philadelphia Union will trade Zac MacMath to Sporting Kansas City in exchange for forward CJ Sapong. While Bearfight Brigade is not normally into breaking soccer trades, there has been no reports from other outlets refuting their claim and this reported move makes sense as well.
The report from Bearfight Brigade comes after Kevin Kinkead’s expectation that the Union will trade for a forward on Monday. The forward the Union trade for may not turn out to be Sapong, but going after Sapong makes sense for Philadelphia. They failed to bring in a striker during the Summer Transfer Window. While Sapong’s role with Sporting KC most recently, head coach Peter Vermes has tried to covert him into a winger. This is partly due to Dom Dwyer’s rise on Sporting KC’s roster and in the league.
I expect the Union to trade for a striker, then move 1-2 players to another team. After that, expect to hear what players have been waived
— Kevin Kinkead (@Kevin_Kinkead) December 8, 2014
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On the flip side, Sporting KC is in the market for a goalie. MacMath would definitely fill a need for SKC and be the clear starting goalie moving forward. In Philadelphia, he appeared to have lost his starting job to Algerian goalie Rais MBohli. Likewise, MacMath’a 120,000 dollar salary (according to latest MLS Player Union numbers) would be a wise investment, while not breaking their bank either. MacMath has one year left on his contract as well, so it would be a short-term risk in case MacMath doesn’t pan out. On the other hand, MacMath could re-sign after 2015 if continues to play like he did in 2014.
This rumored move makes sense on both sides. The Union have a goalie surplus and Sporting KC has depth at the forward position. MacMath’s time in Philadelphia seemed to be coming to an end ever since Philadelphia drafter GK Andre Blake with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 SuperDraft. Sapong has grown out of favor in Kansas City. This trade would allow both players to a change of scenery and revitalize their respective careers to their full potential.
While this move is not official yet, the trade window opens up for four hours (9am-1pm EST) on Monday. Expect many moves to be announced before teams have to submit their protected players list at 2pm EST. Stay tuned to Playing for 90 for updated information on this trade and other MLS moves on a busy Monday.