The Colorado Rapids won their 2017 season opener with the same formula that brought them to the 2016 Western Conference finals: stellar defense and a strike of lightning on offense. However, what’s not to be overlooked is the flawless play at the goalkeeper position. In the second half of last year, it was U.S. soccer legend Tim Howard who was the brick wall. In the first half of 2016 and the first game of 2017 it was Zac MacMath.
MacMath was one of, if not the best keeper in the MLS when he played last year. In his 16 starts, he had a goals against average of 0.76, a franchise best. Compare that to Howard, who finished the season with a goals against average of 1.12. MacMath’s 2016 performance was one of the main reasons he was named co-MVP of the Rapids last year, along with Howard.
MacMath played a perfect game against the New England Revolution on Saturday. He made three important saves, including a point-blank opportunity against scoring extraordinaire Kai Kamara. In a game that ended 1-0, there was no room for mistakes, and MacMath delivered.
Despite his dominant performances, MacMath knows that he is simply filling in for Howard until he returns from a groin injury. On Saturday night, he answered whether or not he thinks his on-field success will translate to more opportunities in net even with a healthy Howard.
“Probably not,” MacMath said. “But I’m just taking it game-by-game, and when he’s ready, he’s ready.”
The poise with which MacMath handles this situation is impressive for a man of any age, let alone a 25-year-old. Yet, he never ceases to put the success of the team above his own playing time.
“I’m just going to put the team in the best position for whenever he’s fit and ready to go,” he said.
MacMath is projected to remain in net until Howard returns from his groin injury in late March or early April. Luckily for Rapids fans, there’s not too much of a dropoff in the backup.