Much of what the Rapids were able to achieve in 2016 began at the back. And a solid back-line is only as good as the last line of defense, the goalkeeper. So, despite the nation’s top stopper being absent for the Rapids, Zac MacMath will return in goal this Saturday.
Not only did MacMath have a solid season last year – being named the club’s co-MVP with Howard – but he has shown poise between the pipes this season, earning a clean sheet, two wins, and back-to-back MLS Save of the Week honors in only five appearances. MacMath has been the saving grace for the Rapids on three different occasions in the absence of Tim Howard.
Earlier this week Pablo Mastroeni said to the Denver Post about MacMath. “He is a starting goalkeeper in this league, and when Tim does go away, the information doesn’t change, the level of motivation doesn’t change. He’s played at this level, he’s played well at this level, he’s got experience in this league, he’s done really well for us. It’s a great situation for any coach to have.”
With Tim Howard still not match fit after his adductor longus surgery in November, MacMath made his 2017 debut in the season opener against New England Revolution, where he made a magnificent one-handed save in the 16th minute to keep New England off the scoresheet. The Rapids hung on and opened the 2017 campaign with a 1-0 win at home .
MacMath was on the bench for the next three games, before returning into the starting position with Tim Howard serving a three-match suspension levied by MLS. During that time, the Rapids’ #18 won back-to-back MLS Save of the Week awards, respectively (Week 8 and 9). In the match at Minnesota United, MacMath denied Christian Ramirez’s point-blank range shot for him his first SOTW honors of the season. He earned his second SOTW just one week later, after palming Antonio Nocerino’s effort wide in the loss at Orlando City SC.
After having 18 days off, the Rapids return to MLS play against Toronto FC this Saturday. The Rapids won the last meeting between the two teams, 1-0, with MacMath providing the defensive spark. Toronto had 11 shots with two being on frame. MacMath made a nifty save stopping a free kick from Sebastian Giovinco in the 56th minute.
