Gyasi A. Zardes, born on September 2, 1991, in Hawthorne, California, is a prominent American professional soccer player known for his role as a forward. His journey in soccer began at the LA Galaxy youth academy, where he honed his skills before moving on to play college soccer at Cal State Bakersfield.
After three successful seasons with the Roadrunners, Zardes made a significant leap by signing with the LA Galaxy as a homegrown player. He quickly became a key player in Bruce Arena's squad, making an immediate impact in his debut season. His remarkable performance in the following season saw him net sixteen goals, contributing to the Galaxy's triumph in the MLS Cup of 2014.
Zardes' impressive display on the field earned him his first cap for the United States national team in January 2015 during a match against Chile. This marked the beginning of his international career, showcasing his talent on a larger stage.
In 2018, Zardes was traded to the Columbus Crew, where he continued to shine under head coach Gregg Berhalter. He quickly established himself as a starter, scoring nineteen goals in his inaugural season with the Crew. His outstanding performance that year earned him the MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award.
In 2020, Zardes played a pivotal role in leading the Columbus Crew to their second MLS Cup victory, defeating Seattle Sounders FC in the final. His contributions to the team have solidified his reputation as a key player in Major League Soccer.