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MLS Colorado Rapids

Mastroeni Pleased with Greater Competition in Goalkeeping Department

January 27, 2015 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


The starting goalkeeping slot is "open" at Colorado Rapids this season, according to Pablo Mastreoni.

The head coach sprung something of a surprise by acquiring the experienced Zac MacMath on loan from Philadelphia earlier this month. The 23-year-old takes the berth of the departed Joe Nasco to join Clint Irwin and John Berner on the roster.

Last season all three keepers saw significant game-time despite Irwin having worked his way through preseason as the established No 1, until injury in the team's final warm-up game sidelined him for the start of the campaign.

This season Mastroeni wants even greater competition among the keepers.

"Signing MacMath was about building depth in a position where I felt we could use it," said Mastreoni. "Zac has experience and he is coming off his best year so he'll have a lot of confidence.

"But Clint Irwin is a great young keeper, Berner too. The more competitive we make this position, the better these guys will become.

"[The position] is open. After the second half of last season, it would be silly of me to solidify any spots in the team. We are all battling, everyone has to earn their keep.

"What we did in the last 14 games was not good enough so we had to go away to evaluate, reflect and become better. The off-season is not all about rest. It is about gaining knowledge, physical stature and technique. So every position needs to be competed for in 2015."

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Major League Soccer Stories from January 27, 2015


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