Finishing up his most recent thought **Zac MacMath** began to chuckle, taking a moment to explain how he has signed multiple contract extensions throughout his professional career, the irony however, not a single one a Club has announced -- until now.
On the eve of his 13th season in Major League Soccer Real Salt Lake has re-signed MacMath to a new deal, keeping him in Utah for the next three years.
MacMath’s professional career is akin to that of a journeyman, consistently reliable, never flashy. He has played for four teams in two different countries, constantly rotating between being the starting goalkeeper and the backup.
This past year MacMath was finally able to prove what he has always known he is “deserving and capable of being a top goalkeeper in this league.”
“It came down to showing that I am who I have always been, I have always been this player,” MacMath said. “Having an opportunity and taking it and then working to keep it, I just finally had the opportunity to show what I’ve always been capable of.”
MacMath's path to becoming the starting goalkeeper took an unusual turn during the 2022 preseason. An unexpected opportunity to start presented itself before the first match of the season, and MacMath took it with both hands.
He didn't let go either, becoming the full-time starter solely on his outstanding performance in between the pipes.
MacMath remained the go-to choice for goalkeeper under Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni throughout the entirety of the 2022 season, becoming the first Real Salt Lake player in Club history to appear in all 3,060 minutes of the 34 game season.
The Claret-and-Cobalt’s true Iron Man.
More than a decade after being drafted as the fifth overall pick by Philadelphia Union, MacMath set career records, playing the best soccer of his career.
He finished the 2022 season with 102 saves, surpassing his previous career record set in 2013 with the Union by just two saves.
“Ultimately it came down to just being able to play consistent minutes which helped me gain more confidence and provided experiences to build off of, getting better each game throughout the entirety of the season,” MacMath said.
Through the trials and tribulations of his widening career MacMath has remained a constant, with changing cities, coaches and teammates, he is who he has always been.
Now at 31 years old, married with a son and daughter, MacMath has chosen Utah as his home.
“I’ve had to move more than a few times, this new contract will keep me here in Utah for the longest stretch of my entire career,” MacMath said. “This is the place where my career was revived, and I am excited for three more years, helping to create a winning culture our fans can be proud of.”
MacMath now returns home to the Wasatch Front, announcement and all. The beloved and celebrated member of the community set to continue protecting the net in front of the Riot at America First Field for years to come.
