Union's MacMath disappointed by imminent replacement

Union goalie Zac MacMath has started every game for the last two years, but his role soon will change.

When the Union signed two-time Algerian World Cup goalie Rais Mbohli last week, interim manager Jim Curtin said that the 28-year-old keeper would be the starter as soon as he was in game shape.

Mbohli didn't make the trip to Kansas City for Friday's 1-1 draw. It's possible he could get his first start in the Union's next Major League Soccer game, Saturday against the Montreal Impact at PPL Park in Chester.

MacMath, who will turn 23 on Thursday, said that the news of his becoming the new backup was difficult to digest. He discussed the situation after Monday's practice.

"I was taken a little bit aback, but this is a business, and [Mbohli] is only going to make me better and will make the team better - and that is the most important part," MacMath said.

MacMath has a 1.64 goals-against average with three shutouts this season. He has played well behind a defense that has been inconsistent during a 5-8-9 campaign that still has the Union just three points out of the fifth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot with 12 games to play.

MacMath, the fifth overall selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Maryland, said the Union were up front with him about his new status.

"It is disappointing," he said. "They told me when he is ready and fit he will be the No. 1. . . .

"I will continue to push [Union keeper] Andre [Blake] and Rais to the best of their abilities."