Episode 17: Mark McKenzie - USMNT/K.R.C Genk

Kickin' it with Krish

On this episode, Host Krish Kumar sits down with Mark McKenzie, a professional soccer player who plays as a center-back for Belgian Pro League Club K.R.C Genk and the United States National Team.
PERSONAL

• Born in Bronx, N.Y. to Mark and Lynette McKenzie.
• Father is originally from Jamaica, which also made Mark eligible to represent the Reggae Boyz.
• Grew up in Bear, Delaware.
• Co-hosts the “Orange Slices” Podcast with former USMNT defender Heath Pearce.

NATIONAL TEAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Started both the Semifinal and Final of the 2021 Concacaf Nations League Final Four, helping the USA win the competition.
• First career assist was on Daryl Dike’s goal in the 4-0 win against Costa Rica on June 9, 2021, in Sandy, Utah.
• Made his USMNT debut coming off the bench during the 1-0 win against Costa Rica on Feb. 1, 2020 in Carson, Calif.
• Helped the USA win the 2018 Concacaf U-20 Championship and was part of the U.S. squad at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

• In the midst of his third season with Belgian First Division A side, Genk, where he has appeared in more than 50 matches across all competitions.
• During his first half-season with Genk, helped the club to the 2020-21 Belgian Cup and second place in the league.
• Signed a Homegrown contract with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union in January 2018, where he made 48 league appearances over three seasons and helped the club lift the MLS Supporters Shield in 2020.
• Was named to the 2020 MLS Best XI and was a contender for MLS Defender of the Year that season.
• Played for the Philadelphia Union Academy from 2015-16 before one season of collegiate soccer at Wake Forest in 2017.

Recorded and Edited by Shiv Govil.