Marcel Dominik Zajac (born April 29, 1998) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for League1 Ontario club Guelph United.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Marcel Dominik Zajac | ||
| Date of birth | (1998-04-29) April 29, 1998 (age 24) | ||
| Place of birth | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | ||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Forward | ||
| Club information | |||
Current team | Guelph United | ||
| Youth career | |||
| Erin Mills SC | |||
| Sigma FC | |||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2016–2018 | Akron Zips | 54 | (18) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2015–2018 | Sigma FC | 27+ | (15+) |
| 2019–2020 | Forge FC | 25 | (1) |
| 2021 | Watra Białka Tatrzańska | ||
| 2021 | Olimpia Elbląg | 2 | (0) |
| 2022– | Guelph United | 15 | (6) |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of August 12, 2022 | |||
Zajac was born in Toronto to Polish parents, and later moved to Mississauga at age three.[1] He began playing soccer at age six with local club Erin Mills SC.[1] Afterwards, he joined the Sigma FC academy.[2]
In 2016, Zajac began attending the University of Akron, where he played for the men's soccer team on a scholarship.[3][4] He scored his first collegiate goal on October 7, 2017 against the Buffalo Bulls.[5] In 2018, he helped Akron win the Mid-American Conference title and was named MAC tournament MVP,[6] as well as finishing as runner-ups for the NCAA National Tournament.[7] He was named a Second Team All-MAC All-Star in 2018.[4] He then spent some time training with Major League Soccer club Columbus Crew.[8] After the season, he departed Akron to turn professional, rather than to return for his senior season.[9]
While attending the University of Akron, Zajac continued to play with his youth club Sigma FC in the summer in League1 Ontario, beginning in 2015.[10][11] In 2016, he made 13 league appearances for Sigma, scoring five goals.[12] The following year, Zajac made six appearances and added three goals.[13] In 2018, he scored a career-high seven goals in eight appearances.[14] He scored back-to-back hat-tricks on May 12, 2018 against Windsor TFC and May 19, 2018 against Ottawa South United.[15][16]
On January 8, 2019, Zajac signed his first professional contract with Canadian Premier League side Forge FC, joining former Sigma FC coach Bobby Smyrniotis.[17][18] He made his professional debut as a substitute in the inaugural CPL match against York9.[19]
In March 2021, it was reported that Zajac signed with Watra Białka Tatrzańska of the Polish fifth division.[20] In June 2021, he trialled with Polish club OKS Stomil Olsztyn.[21]
In July 2021, Zajac signed with II liga side Olimpia Elbląg.[22] He left the club by mutual consent on November 30, 2021.[23]
In 2022, he played with Guelph United F.C. in League1 Ontario.[24]
In 2014, he was called up to a camp with the Canada U17 team, and later attended a camp with the Canada U20 team.[1]
Zajac's father, Czesław, was also a professional soccer player, who played professionally in Poland and Canada.[22]