Zac McGraw Bio
Zachery Louis McGraw, known professionally as Zac McGraw, is a professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer team Portland Timbers. Born in the United States, he represents the Canada national team internationally. Standing at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), he has built a reputation as a tall, dependable center-back who reads the game with composure and contributes on both ends of the pitch. McGraw is also recognized for his unique background as a graduate of the United States Military Academy, making him the first Army player ever drafted in Major League Soccer history when he joined the Timbers in 2020.
Beyond his club duties, McGraw has represented Canada in major international competitions, including the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He holds dual American and Canadian nationality through his parents, which has allowed him to pursue an international career with the Canadian national program. His journey from a youth academy in Southern California to a professional defender in one of North America’s top leagues reflects years of steady development and disciplined preparation.
Early Life and Background
Zachery Louis McGraw was born on June 8, 1997, in Torrance, California, United States. He grew up in the same Southern California city where he later attended West High School, graduating in 2015. Torrance, a coastal community south of Los Angeles, provided an early environment rich in youth sports, and McGraw developed his soccer skills in this competitive landscape before reaching the national youth stage.
McGraw is the son of an American father and a Canadian mother, which gave him citizenship in both countries. This dual heritage would later play an important role in his international career decisions. His early exposure to organized soccer came through FC Golden State, a USSDA academy side that helped him sharpen his defensive fundamentals and prepare him for college-level competition. The disciplined setting of academy play gave him a strong tactical foundation.
After completing high school, McGraw chose a unique college path by enrolling at the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2016. The decision to attend a military academy while pursuing collegiate soccer reflected a strong commitment to structure, leadership, and service, qualities that would later help him transition into the professional game.
Path to Soccer
McGraw’s route to professional soccer ran through the United States Military Academy, where he played for the Army Black Knights men’s soccer team from 2016 to 2019. Over four college seasons, he made 68 appearances, scored one goal, and added nine assists, establishing himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Patriot League. His combination of size, aerial ability, and composure on the ball made him a central figure in the Black Knights’ back line.
During his college years, McGraw earned First Team All-Patriot League honors in each of his four seasons, an exceptional run of consistency that highlighted his dominance at the conference level. He was also named to the USCA First Team All-Northeast Region in 2017 and 2018, then earned USCA Third Team All-Northeast Region recognition in 2019. These accolades drew the attention of Major League Soccer scouts, who recognized his readiness to compete at the professional level despite his unconventional college path.
Zac McGraw Career
Early Career (2016-2019)
McGraw’s early career took shape at the United States Military Academy, where he balanced academic and military obligations with his soccer development. As a four-year starter for the Army Black Knights, he anchored the defense in the Patriot League and helped elevate the program’s profile. His consistency and leadership on the field were evident in his four consecutive First Team All-Patriot League selections, a rare achievement that underlined his durability and quality.
By the end of his senior season, McGraw had established himself as one of the most decorated defenders in Army soccer history. His combination of collegiate honors and physical tools made him an intriguing prospect for MLS clubs, setting the stage for his entry into the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.
Portland Timbers Breakthrough (2020-Present)
On January 13, 2020, McGraw was selected 68th overall by Portland Timbers in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, becoming the first Army player ever drafted in Major League Soccer history. He signed a professional contract with the Timbers on June 22, 2020, beginning his career at the top level of North American soccer. The moment was historic both for McGraw and for the United States Military Academy’s soccer program.
McGraw made his Major League Soccer debut on May 1, 2021, starting in a 4-1 loss to FC Dallas. The opportunity marked the culmination of years of disciplined preparation and validated his transition from military academy soccer to professional play. He continued to develop within the Portland system, gaining valuable minutes and refining his defensive craft against top-tier opposition.
On September 1, 2022, McGraw scored his first MLS goal for Portland, netting the game-winner in a 2-1 victory over Austin FC. The goal was a landmark moment for the defender, who had primarily been recognized for his work at the back. The strike demonstrated his ability to contribute in attacking set pieces, an area where his height and timing give him a natural advantage. In 2022, he also had a brief loan spell with Portland Timbers 2, the club’s developmental side, which provided additional playing time and rhythm.
Driving Style and Strengths
McGraw is recognized for his aerial dominance, positional discipline, and calm distribution from the back. His height allows him to win duels in the air, while his academy and military background have sharpened his tactical awareness and communication on the field. As a center-back, he reads the game with patience and is comfortable stepping into midfield to build possession.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most defining milestone of McGraw’s career came in January 2020, when he became the first Army player drafted in MLS history. His first MLS goal against Austin FC in September 2022 and his inclusion in Canada’s squad for the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup further highlighted his rise as a player of historical and competitive significance.
Zac McGraw Career Wins
Zac McGraw’s career is still in its ascent, with verified competitive milestones including his selection in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, his first Major League Soccer goal against Austin FC in September 2022, and his first senior international appearance for Canada at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. While he has not yet secured a major trophy at the senior professional level, his consistent progression through college, professional, and international ranks marks him as an emerging figure in North American soccer.
Portland Timbers Highlights
Since joining the Portland Timbers in 2020, McGraw has steadily grown into a dependable defensive option. His first MLS start came on May 1, 2021, against FC Dallas, and his first professional goal arrived on September 1, 2022, in a 2-1 win over Austin FC. He wears the number 18 jersey for the Timbers and continues to be part of the club’s defensive plans.
Other Wins & Performances
At the college level, McGraw earned four consecutive First Team All-Patriot League selections from 2016 to 2019, along with USCA First Team All-Northeast Region honors in 2017 and 2018. Internationally, he made his senior debut for Canada in the opening match of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup against Guadeloupe on June 27, 2023, after being named to the final 23-man squad.
Zac McGraw Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
McGraw was raised in Torrance, California, by an American father and a Canadian mother, which granted him dual citizenship. He attended West High School in Torrance and developed his early soccer skills with FC Golden State before moving on to the United States Military Academy. His family’s binational ties have played a defining role in his international career choices.
Personal Life
McGraw is married to Kaitlin Fregulia, a former defender and captain for Long Beach State University who played college soccer at a high level. The couple got engaged in November 2023 and welcomed their first child, a son named Trey, on January 28, 2025. McGraw often speaks about the support his family provides as he balances professional soccer with the responsibilities that come from his military academy background.
2025 Season Performance
As the 2025 Major League Soccer season progresses, Zac McGraw remains part of the Portland Timbers roster, wearing the number 18 shirt and contributing in central defense. His experience from prior MLS seasons and his international exposure with Canada at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup have positioned him as a reliable rotation option for the Timbers’ back line. The club continues to lean on his aerial presence and composure in tight matches.
McGraw’s role within the team has matured since his debut in 2021, and he enters the 2025 campaign with a clearer understanding of the league’s demands. His continued availability and consistent training habits, hallmarks of his military academy upbringing, have helped him stay in the mix for starting opportunities. Portland’s defensive structure benefits from his size and organizational skills.
Looking ahead, McGraw’s priority remains earning regular minutes at the Major League Soccer level while remaining eligible for future Canadian national team call-ups. With a young family and growing professional maturity, his 2025 outlook centers on solidifying his place in the Portland Timbers rotation and contributing to the team’s push for playoff contention.
