Mark McKenzie – USMNT

Mark McKenzie is another example of an MLS academy system producing an elite player. A member of the Philadelphia Union youth setup, McKenzie opted for college before rejoining the squad and playing himself onto the first team. Once there, McKenzie showed that he belonged among the best defenders in Major League Soccer. Using that to draw the attention of the USMNT senior squad as well as European interest, by 2021 McKenzie was established at Belgian club KRC Genk and as a member of the national team. Part of the squad that won the Nations League in the summer of 2021, McKenzie is now helping the USMNT progress through Concacaf World Cup qualifying.

USMNT Experience

2021: Started against Switzerland on May 30. Started against Honduras in the Nations League semifinals on Jun 3. Started against Mexico in the Jun 7 final with the USMNT winning the Nations League. Started and picked up an assist against Costa Rica on Jun 9. Started against Panama on Oct 10 and Costa Rica on Oct 13.
2020: Subbed on against Costa Rica on Feb 1 in his first appearance with the USMNT. Started against El Salvador on Dec 9. Started the Sep 9 World Cup qualifier at Honduras.

Professional Experience

2020-21: Joined KRC Genk in Belgium during the January, 2021 window playing in 13 games and winning the Belgian Cup.
2020: A breakout season with 19 games, winning the Supporters’ Shield, and named to the MLS Best XI.
2019: Played in seven games for the Union.
2018: Joined Philadelphia as a homegrown player, appearing in 19 games.

Youth and College: Part of the Philadelphia Union academy, played one season of college soccer for Wake Forest in 2017.

Photo by John Dorton – ISIPhotos.com