NYCFC signs Mac Learned despite already having three goalkeepers on the roster

On Friday, New York City FC announced another addition to the club. Although it is one that is interesting, and there are other positions that need more attention. The Boys in Blue signed Mac Learned to a one-year contract, with options for the next three seasons. He joins the team after spending 2025 with NYCFC II, in which he split time with Alex Rando.

In a way, Learned took Rando's spot on the roster since his option was declined, and he is no longer with NYCFC. But this also means that, as of now, the Pigeons have four goalkeepers on the team, again. The addition of Tomás Romero in 2024 and Greg Ranjitsingh in 2025 led to four goalkeepers being a part of the club over the last two years.

Mac Learned is the newest NYCFC player

However, Rando was an off-rostered player. Learned, while he can spend time with NYCFC II, cannot do the same thing since he is 23 and not a Homegrown player. That makes it easy to ponder whether Romero or Ranjitsingh will leave the club later on in the offseason. After all, it was somewhat crazy that the team had four goalkeepers the last two years, but to have all four on the roster would be crazier.

So, one of the other backup goalkeepers will probably leave NYCFC. Therefore, Learned can compete to be the backup to Matt Freese. It is likely he will be the third-choice keeper, but one never knows. Regardless, he will be a part of the first team, which will help him grow.

It also means a lot to him. "It means the world to me to sign a First Team contract with New York City FC,” Learned told newyorkcityfc.com. “For me, it was about grinding and proving myself in a professional environment. Competing in MLS NEXT Pro with New York City FC II helped prepare me for this opportunity, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role everyone played in helping me reach this point in my career. I look forward to continuing to learn and develop as a player and helping the Club achieve its goals."

Truthfully, not much is expected from Learned. There is a reason NYCFC only signed him for one year with options. Being on the team in 2026 will allow him to learn what it takes to play at a higher level and ideally develop into a stronger goalkeeper.