Z. McGraw, Portland Timbers, Defender, #18: Career, Stats & Impact
You know Zac McGraw as the steady presence wearing #18 for the Portland Timbers, but his path to that spot isn’t exactly typical. He starred at Army West Point, became the first player in program history to get drafted into MLS, and he’s brought that same discipline and consistency to Portland. You can count on McGraw to anchor the back line with reliability and composure—he’s really become a key figure in Portland’s defensive structure.
What makes his story even more interesting is his commitment to the club. After joining the Timbers in 2020, McGraw signed a contract extension in February 2025 that keeps him in Portland through 2026, with a club option for 2027, according to the Portland Timbers. You don’t see that kind of stability often in MLS, and it says a lot about both his value and the trust the organization puts in him.
McGraw’s impact isn’t just local. Born in California but representing Canada, he made his international debut at the 2023 Gold Cup and is still building his role with the national team. His journey from Army West Point to MLS starter to international defender shows a career built on steady growth, not shortcuts.
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Z. McGraw’s Role With Portland Timbers
McGraw offers more than just height at center back. His physical presence, steady improvement, and leadership have made him a big part of Portland’s back line, especially with the club looking ahead to 2026 under Phil Neville.
Position and Playing Style
He plays as a center back, and his size and strength really give him an edge in aerial duels. At 6-foot-4, he wins headers and clears set pieces—Portland leans on that in tight games.
You won’t see him go for the flashy stuff. McGraw keeps things simple, focusing on positioning and timing. He stays compact with the back line and rarely steps out of position. That discipline helps Portland limit dangerous chances in the box.
He’s calm with the ball at his feet. While he doesn’t push forward much, he’ll play short passes to midfielders to reset play. Since joining MLS from Army West Point in 2020, his decision-making has gotten better.
In a league where defenders get tested every week, McGraw’s ability to read the game keeps him effective. He’s the kind of defender who values reliability over risk.
Significance of Jersey Number 18
McGraw wears jersey number 18. It’s not as iconic as Portland’s 8 or 10, but it’s become his thing. For a defender, it signals steadiness over creativity.
You probably associate his number with consistency now. Since joining the Timbers, he’s stuck with 18, building a connection between his growth as a player and the number on his back. Fans recognize 18 as McGraw’s mark in the lineup.
Jersey numbers in soccer often have personal meaning. For McGraw, 18 reflects his path from late-round draft pick to regular starter. It’s not flashy, but it fits his style—persistent and professional.
Key Contributions to the Team
McGraw’s impact shows up in his minutes and performances. He became a regular starter after Portland traded Bill Tuiloma in 2023, stepping into a bigger role without much drop-off. By 2024, he had become a first-choice defender.
His defensive numbers say a lot:
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Tackles Won | Clearances | Contract Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 22 | 11 | 0 | 20 | 85 | Active |
| 2023 | 28 | 24 | 1 | 27 | 104 | Active |
| 2024 | 30 | 28 | 2 | 30 | 112 | Extended |
He brings more than just stats. His leadership has grown, especially under Phil Neville, who values structure and discipline. McGraw communicates well with teammates and keeps the back line organized.
With his new deal through the 2026 season, McGraw gives Portland rare stability at center back. As a fan, you know the Timbers have a reliable anchor for the future.
MLS Career Progression
Watching Zac McGraw, you see how steady growth can define a career. His path shows how a late draft pick and consistent development can shape a defender’s place in MLS history.
Draft and Entry Into MLS
McGraw entered the league through the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. The Portland Timbers selected him in the third round, 68th overall. Coming from Army West Point, he became the first player in school history drafted into MLS. That alone set him apart.
The draft position didn’t matter much in the end. McGraw faced long odds as a mid-round pick, but he earned a roster spot by showing strength in the air and composure on the ball. Portland liked his size at 6’3” and his ability to read the game.
He didn’t jump right into the lineup. McGraw spent his early years learning the speed and physicality of MLS in training. By 2021, he started to see the field more, proving that development doesn’t have to be immediate.
Professional Debut Against FC Dallas
McGraw made his MLS debut on May 1, 2021, starting and playing the full 90 minutes against FC Dallas. That wasn’t just a quick sub appearance—it was a full test of whether he could handle a league match.
That game felt like a turning point. Portland trusted him with a starting role, and he responded with a solid defensive performance. The result mattered, but McGraw’s performance showed he belonged.
His debut also showed Portland was willing to give young defenders real minutes. For McGraw, it was the first chance to turn his college experience at Army into real professional consistency. Every touch and clearance that night built his confidence.
Career Milestones and Highlights
After breaking into the lineup, McGraw put together a steady record of contributions. He scored his first MLS goal in 2022 against Austin FC, then added assists and key defensive plays that kept Portland in tight matches. By 2023, he’d earned his first international caps with Canada at the Gold Cup.
In 2024, he scored twice in a Leagues Cup match against Club León—a rare brace for a center back. In 2025, he extended his contract with Portland through 2026, with a club option for 2027. That shows the team’s confidence in him.
Selected Stats
| Season | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | 0 | 0 | MLS debut vs FC Dallas |
| 2022 | 22 | 1 | 0 | First MLS goal vs Austin |
| 2023 | 25 | 1 | 1 | First Canada cap, Gold Cup |
| 2024 | 28 | 2 | 0 | Brace vs Club León |
| 2025 | Ongoing | 1 | 0 | Scored in U.S. Open Cup |
You see a player who’s gone from fringe roster spot to reliable starter. Each season added to his profile, and his extension confirmed his value as a long-term piece for the Timbers. For a third-round pick, that’s a career progression worth noticing.
Contract and Club Commitment
Zac McGraw’s deal with the Portland Timbers reflects the club’s trust in his development and his value as a central defender. His contract runs through 2026, with a club option for 2027, giving the Timbers long-term stability at the back.
Recent Contract Extension
You saw the Timbers extend McGraw’s contract in February 2025, locking him in through 2026 with an option for 2027. The move followed steady progress since his 2020 arrival from Army West Point, where he became the first player in program history drafted into MLS.
This extension wasn’t just routine. Portland clearly sees McGraw as part of its defensive core. After logging consistent minutes in 2022 and scoring his first professional goal, he proved he could handle both MLS play and international duty with Canada.
For fans, the deal means continuity at a spot where turnover is usually high. In a league with salary caps and roster restrictions, locking in a reliable center back brings both roster stability and financial clarity.
Contract details at a glance:
| Year | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Under contract | Full season guaranteed |
| 2026 | Under contract | Final guaranteed year |
| 2027 | Club option | Team holds decision |
Impact Through the 2026 Season
Looking at McGraw’s role through 2026, it’s not about star power—it’s about consistency. He doesn’t need to be flashy. He needs to win aerial duels, stay organized, and give Portland a steady presence in the back line.
In 2022, McGraw tied for the team lead with 52 headed clearances. That’s a big deal for a Timbers side that often faces pressure on set pieces. His ability to read the game and clear danger makes him a dependable choice at center back.
His international experience with Canada should sharpen his game even more. Playing in high-pressure matches, like the 2023 Gold Cup quarterfinal against the United States, helps him prepare for MLS playoff intensity.
The Timbers’ decision to keep him through 2026 means you’ll see him paired with other key defenders in a stable rotation. That kind of continuity is rare in MLS and could be the difference between a mid-table finish and a real playoff run.
International Experience
You see a defender who built his career at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point now taking that path onto the international stage. His dual background gave him options, and his decision shaped this next phase.
Canada National Team Involvement
Zac McGraw was born in Torrance, California, but he qualified for Canada through his mom, who grew up in British Columbia. That connection opened the door for him to join the Canadian national team after he established himself with the Portland Timbers.
His role developed fast. In 2023, he earned his first senior call-up, a reward for his consistent play in MLS. His knack for winning aerial duels and organizing the back line made him a good option for Canada’s defensive depth.
The national team valued his size and timing, especially on set pieces. For fans, it’s been cool to watch a player with a U.S. college background adapt to the international game under a new system. He joined a squad that had just qualified for the World Cup and wanted to expand its player pool.
2023 Concacaf Gold Cup Performances
The 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup marked McGraw’s first real taste of major tournament soccer. Canada picked him for the Group D roster, where he faced Guadeloupe, Guatemala, and Cuba.
His play was refreshingly simple. He cleared out threats, kept his discipline, and didn’t make any big mistakes.
Canada rotated the lineup a lot, but McGraw made the most of his minutes. He handled the pace of international play without looking out of place.
Key Stats from 2023 Gold Cup
| Match | Minutes Played | Result | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guadeloupe | 90 | 2-2 Draw | Starter |
| Guatemala | 90 | 0-0 Draw | Starter |
| Cuba | 90 | 4-2 Win | Starter |
| United States | 90 | 2-2 Draw (Loss on PKs) | Starter |
This run gave him valuable experience and put him in the spotlight. For anyone watching, it was clear: McGraw could translate his MLS skills to the international stage.
Debut Against Guadeloupe
McGraw made his international debut in Toronto against Guadeloupe. He started and played all 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw.
The match put his composure to the test. Guadeloupe pressed hard, and Canada gave up two goals, but McGraw stayed steady and held his line.
He focused on limiting space in the box and winning headers. That gave Canada some much-needed stability during tense moments.
For a first cap, he looked right at home. He fit into the system without looking lost or nervous.
His debut had a personal touch, too—his Canadian family had always supported the national team. That must’ve made the moment even sweeter.
Match Against United States
The quarterfinal against the United States in Cincinnati was McGraw’s biggest test yet. He played the full 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw that went to penalties.
He battled against quick U.S. forwards. McGraw answered with smart positioning and some big clearances, helping Canada stay in the fight.
Canada lost in the shootout, but McGraw showed he could handle the pressure. It’s not every day you see a defender who played at West Point go toe-to-toe with one of the region’s top teams.
Collegiate and Early Development
McGraw’s career foundation really started in two places: his years at the United States Military Academy at West Point and his time in Southern California with FC Golden State. Both places shaped him into a professional defender.
United States Military Academy Achievements
At West Point, McGraw became a four-year starter—a rare feat in Division I soccer. He played in 68 matches and started 66, which says a lot about his durability and the trust his coaches had in him.
He made his mark as a defender, but he chipped in offensively too, with one goal and nine assists.
He earned First Team All-Patriot League honors every season from 2016 to 2019. That kind of consistency comes from both talent and the relentless work ethic West Point demands.
Few defenders in the Patriot League could match his aerial ability or his knack for organizing the back line.
In his senior year, McGraw started all 16 matches. He added one goal and four assists, showing he could impact both ends of the field.
Scouts noticed his 6-foot-4 frame and his ability to read the game. That made him a unique prospect.
| Season | Matches Played | Matches Started | Goals | Assists | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 17 | 16 | 0 | 2 | First Team All-Patriot League |
| 2017 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 1 | First Team All-Patriot League |
| 2018 | 18 | 17 | 0 | 2 | First Team All-Patriot League |
| 2019 | 16 | 16 | 1 | 4 | First Team All-Patriot League |
West Point Soccer Legacy
Army West Point soccer doesn’t usually get the spotlight, but McGraw changed that. He became the first player from the program drafted in the MLS SuperDraft, going to the Portland Timbers in 2020.
That milestone brought new attention to the program.
West Point is famous for producing military leaders, not pro athletes. McGraw flipped the script, proving the academy could develop players for the highest level.
His success added some real credibility to a program that usually flies under the radar.
McGraw led off the field, too. At West Point, you have to juggle academics, military duties, and sports. He managed it all while still excelling on the pitch.
That balancing act became a big talking point as he moved into pro soccer.
For younger cadet-athletes, his path set a new standard. You can imagine future recruits looking at his journey and thinking, “Why not me?”
Youth Career at FC Golden State
Before West Point, McGraw played for FC Golden State, a respected youth club in Southern California. Competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, he went up against tough opponents who pushed his technical and tactical skills.
At FC Golden State, he learned how to defend against quick, crafty forwards. The club emphasized ball control and tactical smarts—skills every good center back needs.
Those lessons stuck with him. By the time he got to college, he already had the composure of a seasoned defender.
The club also gave him exposure to scouts and high-level tournaments. Playing in those events built his confidence and toughened him up for Division I soccer.
That youth experience, along with his size and discipline, made him a natural fit for West Point. He arrived at the academy ready for just about anything college soccer could throw at him.
Participation in Major Tournaments
You can follow Zac McGraw’s rise by looking at his performances when the stakes were highest. His contributions in international club tournaments and knockout MLS games show how he’s grown from squad player to regular starter.
Leagues Cup Success
When the Portland Timbers played in the 2024 Leagues Cup, McGraw delivered one of his standout performances. On July 28, he scored twice in a 2-1 win over Club León. For a center back, scoring a brace in a knockout match really highlights his aerial strength and calmness in front of goal.
He anchored the backline and played every minute of the early matches. His defensive value was obvious—he kept things organized and won key duels, giving Portland much-needed stability.
Leagues Cup 2024 Key Stats
| Match | Goals | Minutes Played | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Club León | 2 | 90 | 2-1 Win |
| Group Stage Matches | 0 | 180 | Mixed Results |
McGraw, once an Army West Point standout, keeps showing that his journey from college to the pros is about more than just defending. He’s got a knack for scoring at the right moment, too.
Notable Performances in MLS Playoffs
When it comes to the MLS playoffs, McGraw’s impact isn’t about racking up goals. He brings consistency—something you really want from a defender when the stakes get high.
He reads the game well and wins a lot of aerial duels. Portland has leaned on those strengths during their playoff runs.
You probably won’t see his name in big headlines, but he’s played full matches against some of the league’s best forwards. Sure, he scored his first MLS goal in 2022 against Austin, showing he can be dangerous on set pieces. But in the playoffs, you notice him more for his clearances and those tough one-on-one battles.
His style? It’s simple and direct. He just gets the job done. Coaches keep turning to him in knockout matches because he almost never loses focus defensively.
That kind of steadiness—along with his physical presence—gives the Timbers a dependable choice when things get tense in the postseason.
