Year two didn't go exactly as planned for Mark McKenzie. 2019 opened at US National Team camp, but then a series of injuries kept the Union's homegrown center back from reclaiming his starting position as the MLS season unfolded. Jack Elliott put the right centerback in a headlock and McKenzie was fighting to be his partner.
When he finally got his chance in August, McKenzie took it. He showed that the shift to left centerback was one he could handle, and he helped his squad to a run of home results that secured a playoff spot before the month was out.