Mason Stajduhar is an American professional goalkeeper currently playing for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer. In 2017, he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. He underwent chemotherapy, kept training through treatment, and returned to professional soccer just months later.
Born in Salem, Massachusetts, Stajduhar developed through the Orlando City academy and signed his first pro contract in 2015 as one of the club’s early Homegrown signings. His career included loan spells with Louisville City, Tulsa Roughnecks, and NYCFC, but it was in Orlando where he made his long-awaited MLS debut—2,090 days after signing.
In 2024, he broke Orlando City’s club record for most saves in a match before suffering a season-ending leg injury. In 2025, he was traded to Real Salt Lake, continuing his journey in MLS with a comeback mindset. He’s also represented the U.S. at the U-18 and U-20 levels, adding international experience to a career defined by persistence.
This week, Mason talks about being diagnosed with cancer as a young pro, what it means to wait years for your debut, and how he's approaching life and soccer after injury. From record-breaking moments to the rehab room, Mason opens up about what it takes to keep going when everything says stop.
Highlights:
- Playing through cancer and coming back stronger
- Signing at 17, but waiting over 2,000 days to debut
- What his injury taught him about identity and mindset
- Why goalkeepers think differently—and why it matters
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