The Philadelphia Union have announced that veteran goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón has been released from his contract with the club, allowing him to return to his native Colombia and finish his career with Deportivo Cali. Mondragón, now 40, began his professional career with Los Verdiblancos at the age of 21.
The Union have talented USMNT U-23 goalkeeper Zac MacMath ready to step in the starting role, something he did successfully last season when Mondragón was out injured for seven matches. MacMatch went undefeated with three wins and four draws, making 16 saves while allowing eight goals. The Union will likely be looking for another keeper though with MacMath expected to miss a month during the summer for the Summer Olympics (if the US team qualifies).
Mondragón explained his decision to leave Philadelphia in an official release on the team’s website:
“It has been an absolute honor and a privilege to be part of the Union family,” said Mondragón. “My time in Philadelphia has proven to be unforgettable, and I am tremendously proud of having led the team for what proved to be a successful 2011. We achieved most of our goals and continued the club’s growth into becoming the best club in MLS.
“For family reasons, I have requested the club to allow me the opportunity to finish my career where it started. I am extremely thankful with our fans, especially Sons of Ben, the best fans in MLS, our ownership, technical staff, my teammates and everyone in the city of Philadelphia who always made me feel at home and made the 2011 season one I will never forget. I look forward to coming back to PPL Park as an avid fan and part of the Union family. I wish the club continued success.”
Mondragón joined the Union in Janaury of 2011 from FC Cologone of the Bundesliga. He earned the captain’s armband during the pre-season and went on to start 27 matches with a 62 percent save percentage and seven clean sheets. He was the Union’s second-ever All-Star representative and finished second-place finish in 2011 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year voting, behind only Kasey Keller.
