In a surprising move to many, the Philadelphia Union selected University of Maryland, and USMNT under-20, goalkeeper Zac MacMath with the fifth overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.
MacMath starred at Maryland for three seasons, starting 64 games (65 played), allowing only 43 goals into his net. The 19-year-old finished his junior year with only 0.65 goals against per game. He was selected to First Team All-ACC, First Team TopDrawerSoccer.com National Team of the Year and ACC Tournament MVP.
After trading away Chris Seitz during this offseason, releasing 2010 MLS SuperDraft fourth rounder Brian Peck and keeping only goalkeeper Brad Knighton on roster, the Union took the nation's best goalkeeper. MacMath began his thank you speech with a shout out to the Sons of Ben, something he said that his father suggested prior to the speech. His father, and other family members, give him roots to the area - the senior MacMath was a goalkeeper for a Philadelphia area high school during his teen years and the MacMath's have family in the area as well.
The Union select again in the second round, 23rd overall. Will have more on MacMath and the pick in another article.