On Wednesday evening, MacDonald will be hoping for a handshake from the coaching staff – but more importantly victory – when the lowly Kitsap Pumas take on the mighty Seattle Sounders in the fourth round of the US Open Cup.
It is a formidable challenge.
Kitsap play in the semi-pro Premier Development League, considered part of the fourth tier in American soccer, while the Sounders are Major League Soccer giants.
Moreover, the Sounders have incredible record in the US Open Cup – winning the domestic cup competition in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2014, as well as finishing runners-up in 2012.
MacDonald is just in his second year as a head coach while Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid is considered one of the greatest coaches in the States, having had a wealth of success with UCLA, LA Galaxy and the Sounders. He was inducted into US Soccer’s National Hall of Fame last October.
Kitsap, who are based in Bremerton, Washington (a 60-minute ferry-ride away from Downtown Seattle), will go into the match realistic of their chances but also with some optimism, having defeated Sacramento Republic – a team with MLS aspirations – in the previous round.
It also helps that Schmid is suspended for the match, as are Sounders defender and captain Brad Evans and forward Clint Dempsey, who is also with the US national team at Copa America.
The Sounders are likely to field a team of both regular first-team players and fringe players – but with the likes of star striker Jordan Morris in the mix, they remain the overwhelming favourites.