Zack Steffen: How Fatherhood and a Drive for Excellence Are Shaping His Journey as a Rapids Goalkeeper with the World Cup Ahead

Zack Steffen’s life took a big turn recently. Just months before a major change, he found a new purpose in fatherhood when his daughter, Vogue, was born. Before that, he was dealing with knee surgery while trying to make a name for himself as a goalkeeper with Middlesbrough, on loan from Manchester City. Soon after Vogue’s arrival, Steffen received an offer from the Colorado Rapids, marking a fresh start in a new country.

Relocating internationally is challenging, especially with a baby. Steffen shared how tough it was to balance family life, training, and preparing for a new season, saying, “Making sure she’s comfy… there’s not just one thing that makes it tough.” His move to Colorado didn’t start smoothly, but he began to find his groove.

Now that Vogue is over a year old, Steffen treasures watching her grow and develop her personality. At 29, he’s also evolving in his career. Entering his second year with the Rapids, he has learned a lot about himself and his game. This dedication led to a call-up for the U.S. men’s national team’s training camp last fall.

Reflecting on last season, Steffen admitted he often pushed himself too hard, which affected his performance. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot,” he said, adding that he now feels refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

Steffen believes in the idea of progress over perfection. This philosophy is shared by the Rapids’ goalkeepers and is embraced by everyone on the team. After a rocky start last season, where he allowed a significant number of goals, he took initiative by reviewing his game footage to identify mistakes and areas for improvement. He even analyzed training clips with his coach, Chris Sharpe, working harder to refine his skills.

Steffen sometimes texts Sharpe late at night with insights from his film study, often while holding a sleeping Vogue. He finds that stepping away from soccer allows him to critique himself more constructively, making the process easier.

This preseason, the goalkeepers have been sharing their video breakdowns in team meetings, discussing what went right and what didn’t. These sessions are nearly as intense as training itself, showing the commitment each player has towards improvement.

Despite some challenges at the start of the current season, Steffen’s leadership has proven invaluable. His presence can make a significant difference, especially for the younger players on the team. With teammates as young as 17, having Steffen to guide them is seen as a huge asset. “He adds some presence, some dominance that every team needs,” said Sharpe.

Steffen’s influence extends beyond just his performance; he’s become a mentor to younger goalkeepers like Patrick Schulte. Their relationship has grown through training, leading to supportive calls and messages that often include family moments with Vogue.

Recently, the Rapids gathered to watch Steffen play for the national team against Costa Rica, marking his return to the field after almost three years. Fans and teammates alike were thrilled as he made crucial saves during the match. It reinforced the belief that he belongs in top form.

As he navigates the demands of both club and national team duties, Steffen is focusing on adjusting tactics based on new coaching directives. The goal is now to occupy a more defensive position, allowing him to concentrate on making saves first. “I’m just focused on defending the goal and making the saves,” he noted.

In the 2025 season, consistency will be the key for Steffen and the Rapids. Both Steffen and Sharpe are aware that perfection is an impossible target, but they are committed to making consistent progress as the World Cup looms ahead in 2026. As Sharpe stated, “(Steffen) will be where he’s meant to be when that World Cup comes around.”