Zac MacMath Bio
Zachary Michael MacMath (born August 7, 1991) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a goalkeeper in Major League Soccer (MLS). He is best known for his long career between the posts for the Philadelphia Union, Colorado Rapids, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Real Salt Lake, where he spent the final stretch of his playing days. MacMath was selected No. 5 overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union, the team that launched his professional career. He announced his retirement on November 7, 2025, closing the book on a career that spanned more than a decade in North American soccer.
Early Life and Background
Zac MacMath was born on August 7, 1991, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to parents Marcia and Gary MacMath. He grew up in St. Petersburg, where his family remained a steady presence throughout his youth. MacMath is Jewish; his mother is Jewish, his father is Catholic, and MacMath himself practices Judaism, celebrating his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Beth El, a Reform synagogue in his hometown.
He attended St. Petersburg High School as a freshman before moving on to the IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, Florida, one of the country’s most recognized development programs for elite young players. At IMG, MacMath sharpened the technical and physical tools that would later define his professional profile. He was twice named a Parade magazine High School All-American as a soccer goalkeeper, a rare honor that underlined his status among the top young keepers in the United States.
Path to Soccer
MacMath continued his development at the University of Maryland, where he served as the first-choice goalkeeper for three seasons. During his time in College Park, he played a central role in winning a national title and collected numerous individual awards that highlighted his shot-stopping and command of the penalty area. It was also at Maryland that he earned his first taste of professional environments, taking part in a training stint with English Premier League side Everton.
At the close of the 2008 and 2010 seasons, MacMath was named to the Jewish Sports Review’s All-America team, recognition that reflected both his on-field performances and his standing within the community. His college form, combined with his high school accolades, made him one of the most talked-about goalkeeping prospects heading into the 2011 draft. That profile ultimately translated into a top selection in the MLS SuperDraft.
Zac MacMath Career
Early Career (2011–2014)
MacMath was selected No. 5 overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union, immediately stepping into a professional environment with high expectations. His first run of senior games came in September 2011, when an injury to starting keeper Faryd Mondragon opened the door. MacMath seized the opportunity, showing enough composure to remain in the mix for the starting role.
After the Union failed to reach the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs, MacMath used the off-season to gain additional experience, joining Premier League side Everton for a training stint. That exposure to a top European environment helped round out his game as he returned to Philadelphia for the following campaigns.
Colorado Rapids Era (2015–2018)
In January 2015, MacMath was loaned to the Colorado Rapids for the 2015 MLS season, giving him a fresh setting to compete for minutes. Following the campaign, Philadelphia declined his contract option, and MacMath was then traded to Colorado in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. The move effectively turned a temporary arrangement into a longer-term home, and he remained with the Rapids through the 2018 season.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2019)
On December 9, 2018, MacMath was traded to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for Nicolás Mezquida and $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money. His time in Vancouver spanned the 2019 season, adding another Canadian market to his MLS journey before another move altered his path.
Real Salt Lake Era (2020–2025)
On December 17, 2019, Real Salt Lake acquired MacMath from Vancouver in exchange for $50,000 in Targeted Allocation Money to be paid in 2020. The transfer launched his longest tenure with a single club, as he became a steady presence in goal for the Claret and Cobalt across multiple seasons. He remained with Real Salt Lake until his retirement announcement on November 7, 2025.
Notable Events and Milestones
Beyond his club journey, MacMath represented the United States at multiple youth levels. He played in the 2009 Maccabiah Games in Israel with the American Maccabiah team, and he led the U.S. U-20 men’s national team to the Milk Cup title in Northern Ireland in 2010, posting a strong performance that included a 3–0 victory over the hosts in Ballymena. MacMath was also called up to the CONCACAF U-20 Championship alongside Philadelphia Union teammate Amobi Okugo, and later trained with the U-23 Olympic squad in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics.
Zac MacMath Family
Family Background and Personal Life
MacMath was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, by his mother, Marcia MacMath, and his father, Gary MacMath. He grew up in a blended faith household, with his mother Jewish and his father Catholic, and MacMath practices Judaism, marking his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Beth El in his hometown. His parents supported his early athletic path, which carried him from local youth soccer to one of the country’s premier academies at IMG and ultimately to the University of Maryland.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 campaign marked the final chapter of MacMath’s professional career with Real Salt Lake. Serving as an experienced goalkeeper in the squad, he contributed to the club’s day-to-day goalkeeping group across the MLS regular season, bringing veteran leadership to a competitive Western Conference roster. His standing within the locker room helped stabilize a roster that leaned on his long track record of appearances at the top level.
MacMath’s year was defined more by mentorship than by statistical milestones, as he shared the goalkeeping room with younger players still finding their feet in MLS. On November 7, 2025, he announced his retirement from professional soccer, closing his career with Real Salt Lake after stints with Philadelphia, Colorado, and Vancouver. He exits the league as a once top-five SuperDraft pick who built a durable, decade-long career between the posts.