What's Happening?
New York City FC has signed goalkeeper Mac Learned to a first-team contract, effective for the 2026 season, with options extending through the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons. Learned, 23, made his debut in MLS
NEXT Pro with New York City FC II, where he recorded one clean sheet in 14 matches. He joins the ranks of goalkeepers Matt Freese, Greg Ranjitsingh, and Tomas Romero at NYCFC. The team is set to open the 2026 MLS regular season against Los Angeles FC on February 22.
Why It's Important?
The signing of Mac Learned is a strategic move for NYCFC as they bolster their goalkeeping lineup ahead of the 2026 season. This decision reflects the club's commitment to developing talent from within its ranks, as Learned has progressed from the MLS NEXT Pro team. The inclusion of a young and promising goalkeeper like Learned could enhance the team's defensive capabilities, potentially impacting their performance in the upcoming season. This move also underscores the importance of nurturing homegrown talent in Major League Soccer, which can lead to long-term benefits for the club and the league.
