Cinnaminson Resident to Make First MLS Start for Philadelphia Union on Saturday

The benching of a World Cup goalie has opened the door for a Cinnaminson resident to fulfill his dream.

Cinnaminson resident John McCarthy Jr. realized the dream of many young athletes when he signed with his home town’s professional soccer team in February.

On Saturday, McCarthy will start for the first time as he minds the net for the Philadelphia Union as they host New York City FC, the Major League Soccer team announced on its website this week.

The Union (0-3-2) will host New York (1-1-2) at PPL Park on Saturday, 4 p.m. The game will be broadcast on WPVI-6 in Philadelphia and the YES! Network in New York.

“It will be a dream come true,” McCarthy said in a post on the team’s website on Wednesday.

Rais Mbolhi has started all five games in goal for the Union this season. He’s made 10 saves and given up nine goals. Mbolhi, who led Argentina to the knockout round of the World Cup last year, signed with the team in July.

However, on Wednesday, he was benched and Union coach Jim Curtin said Mbolhi is currently in France, where he lives in the offseason.

Enter McCarthy Jr.

McCarthy Jr., the son of Cinnaminson Mayor John McCarthy Sr., grew up in Philadelphia, and began his high school career at North Catholic High School. When he moved to Cinnaminson with his family, he remained at North Catholic for the duration of his career.

He then played college soccer at LaSalle University. He started all four seasons there, was a three-time all-Atlantic 10 performer, an NSCAA Scholar All-American and was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy watch list heading into his senior year.

The junior McCarthy was the United Soccer League’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Rookie of the Year while playing with the Rochester Rhinos in 2014.

He led the USL with a 0.72 goals against average after allowing just 13 goals in 18 games last season. He was 8-4-6 with 10 shutouts and 41 saves.

To order tickets for this weekend’s game, click here.