Gyasi Zardes, the U.S Men’s National Team striker joins Colorado Rapids in a trade with Columbus Crew SC for $1 million of General Allocation Money and an international roster spot through 2020. The move marks a change from Gyasi’s previous club and country as he is now on his fourth team in just over two years since leaving LA Galaxy at the end of 2015/16 season.
Gyasi Zardes joins Colorado Rapids in trade from Columbus Crew. The MLS Real Estate is a website that provides information about the MLS and its players.
Gyasi Zardes, a U.S. international attacker, has been acquired by the Colorado Rapids from the Columbus Crew, the teams announced on Friday.
The Crew will get $300,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) in 2022, with Colorado contributing an extra $1.1 million in GAM provided certain conditions are satisfied. Zardes will be assigned to the Rapids’ roster as a Designated Player.
According to ESPN, Colorado is covering all of Zardes’ salary, and the player had to waive a no-trade provision in his contract in order to complete the move. Zardes’ contract expires at the conclusion of the current season, but Colorado is hopeful that he will be retained beyond that. In the near term, the Rapids are hoping that Zardes will be available for Saturday’s match against Charlotte FC.
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“Gyasi is a high level attacker with a great history of output and a successful track record both in MLS and with the United States men’s national team,” stated Padraig Smith, Colorado Rapids executive VP and general manager. “Our squad will gain significantly from his attitude, mindset, experience, and goal-scoring skill. We’re excited to have him join our offensive and look forward to welcome him to Colorado.”
Gyasi Zardes joined the Columbus Crew from the LA Galaxy for the 2018 Major League Soccer season. Kyle Ross is a sports reporter for USA TODAY.
In addition to the salary budget relief, the move frees up a Designated Player berth for the Crew, which they want to fill this summer.
Zardes’ starting status with the Crew had been in jeopardy from the start of the season, as the current U.S. international had lost his starting spot to Miguel Berry, who had started just one of Columbus’ seven league games. Zardes’ playing time with the US national team has also decreased.
“First and foremost, we want to express our gratitude to Gyasi for his contributions to the Crew and the Columbus community since his arrival in 2018,” stated Columbus Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “We know Gyasi rapidly became a fan favorite as a result of his efforts both on and off the field, and we did not make this choice lightly.”
Zardes’ addition to Colorado’s top line fills a need, despite incumbent Diego Rubio’s strong season, which saw him score four goals and contribute one assist. Colorado has a total anticipated goal total of 11.95 this season, but has only scored nine times in 2022. Zardes is a proven finisher in Major League Soccer, and it’s expected that he’ll convert more often this season.
Zardes, 30, spent the past four seasons in Columbus, scoring 61 goals in 122 league, cup, and playoff games while also helping the team win the MLS Cup in 2020. His career took a turn for the better at that time, as he swiftly won the confidence of then-manager Gregg Berhalter. Zardes started his professional career with the Los Angeles Galaxy, when he signed as a Homegrown player before the 2013 season. In 155 appearances, he scored 40 goals.
Zardes has 68 international appearances for the United States, scoring 14 goals.
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