Mark McKenzie (soccer, born 1999) facts for kids
McKenzie with the Philadelphia Union in 2019
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Mark Alexander McKenzie | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | February 25, 1999 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | The Bronx, New York, United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.84 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Center-back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Current team
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Toulouse | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2015–2016 | Philadelphia Union | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| College career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | Wake Forest Demon Deacons | 16 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2016–2019 | Bethlehem Steel | 17 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018–2020 | Philadelphia Union | 48 | (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021–2024 | Genk | 104 | (4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2024– | Toulouse | 30 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| International career‡ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017 | United States U18 | 5 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2018–2019 | United States U20 | 12 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2019 | United States U23 | 3 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2020– | United States | 22 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of May 25, 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of June 15, 2025 |
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Mark Alexander McKenzie (born February 25, 1999) is an American professional soccer player. He plays as a center-back for the French club Toulouse. Mark also plays for the United States national team.
Contents
Early Soccer Days
Mark McKenzie grew up in Bear, Delaware. He started playing club soccer for teams like Delaware Rush and Wilmington Rangers. Later, he joined the Philadelphia Union Academy. Mark's father is from Jamaica.
In 2017, Mark began playing college soccer at Wake Forest University. He joined his academy friends Matthew Real and Joseph DeZart there. Mark made his first start for the Wake Forest team, known as the Deacons, against Clemson University. He played in 16 games for the Deacons during his time in college.
Professional Career
Starting with Bethlehem Steel
Mark's strong play in the academy led him to join Bethlehem Steel FC. This was the USL team connected to the Philadelphia Union. He made his first professional appearance in June 2016 against New York Red Bulls II. Mark played eight games for Bethlehem Steel as an amateur player over two seasons.
Playing for Philadelphia Union
On January 18, 2018, Mark signed a special "homegrown player" contract with Major League Soccer team Philadelphia Union. In his first year with the Union, he played in 20 games. He often started alongside another young center-back, Auston Trusty. Mark's great performance helped him get nominated for the 2018 MLS Rookie of the Year Award.
In 2019, Mark worked hard to get his starting spot back. He became known for helping start attacks from the back of the field. He kept his starting role through the 2020 season. Mark was even named to the Best XI team for the MLS is Back Tournament.
Mark scored his first professional goal for the Union in October 2020. It was a long-range shot that tied the game against D.C. United. He finished the 2020 season with two goals and three assists in 22 matches. His contributions helped the Union win their first trophy, the Supporters' Shield. Because of his excellent play, Mark was named to the MLS Best XI team. He also finished second in the voting for the 2020 Defender of the Year award.
Moving to Genk
On January 7, 2021, Mark McKenzie moved to Genk, a team in the Belgian First Division A in Belgium. He signed a contract for four and a half years. Mark played his first game for Genk on January 24. He started in a close 3–2 loss against Club Brugge. In his first season, he played in 16 games and helped Genk win the Belgian Cup.
Joining Toulouse
On August 16, 2024, Mark McKenzie signed with Toulouse in France. He continues to play as a key defender for the team.
International Play
Mark McKenzie has played for the United States at different age levels. He was part of the under-15 and under-16 national teams. In 2017, he played for the United States under-18s in the Slovakia Cup. He played seven games for that team in 2017.
Mark was then called up to the United States under-20 squad. He played in the 2018 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. Mark scored three goals during the group stages and was even captain in a big 7–0 win against Suriname. He was named captain of the under-20 team. On December 20, 2018, Mark received his first call-up to the senior national team for a friendly game against Panama.
On February 1, 2020, Mark played his first game for the senior national team. He came in as a substitute in a friendly match against Costa Rica. In September 2021, Mark made his debut in a World Cup qualifying game. He started in a 4–1 comeback win against Honduras.
Awards and Achievements
Mark McKenzie has won several awards and trophies throughout his career:
With Philadelphia Union
- Supporters' Shield: 2020
With Genk
- Belgian Cup: 2020–21
With United States U20 Team
- CONCACAF U-20 Championship: 2018
With United States National Team
- CONCACAF Nations League: 2019–20, 2023–24
Individual Awards
- CONCACAF Under-20 Championship Best XI: 2018
- MLS is Back Tournament Best XI: 2020
- MLS Best XI: 2020
See also
In Spanish: Mark McKenzie para niños
