COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids have acquired U.S. Men’s National Team forward Gyasi Zardes from Columbus Crew in exchange for $300,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money (GAM), the club announced today. Columbus could also receive up to an additional $1.1M in GAM if Zardes reaches multiple performance metrics and re-signs with the club for three years following the 2022 season. Zardes will occupy a Designated Player slot on the Rapids’ roster.
“Gyasi is an elite level attacker with a strong history of production and a successful track record both in MLS and with the U.S. Men’s National Team,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids Executive VP & General Manager. “His character, mentality, experience and goal scoring prowess will greatly benefit our team. We’re thrilled to bolster our offense with his signing and look forward to welcoming him to Colorado.”
Zardes joins the Rapids from Columbus where he leaves as the club’s third all-time leading goal scorer with 61 goals in 122 appearances across all competitions. During his time in Ohio, Zardes helped the Crew capture the 2020 MLS Cup, as well as the 2021 Campeones Cup.
A native of Hawthorne, California, Zardes began his professional career in 2013 with the LA Galaxy after progressing through the club’s academy system. The 30-year-old made 154 appearances across all competitions during his five seasons with the Galaxy, registering 40 goals and 22 assists, and leading the side to the 2014 MLS Cup. In 2015, Zardes was named to the MLS All-Star Team that defeated England’s Tottenham Hotspur at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
In total, Zardes has logged 101 goals and 31 assists from 276 appearances across all competitions during his time with the Galaxy and Crew.
At the international level, Zardes has been a prominent member of the U.S. Men’s National team, earning 68 caps and tallying fourteen goals and nine assists since making his debut in a friendly against Chile on January 28, 2015. He has been called up to the U.S. team in each of the past four Concacaf Gold Cups, winning the 2017 and 2021 editions, as well as being a consistent call-up in World Cup Qualifiers for the Stars & Stripes.
Gyasi Zardes
Pronunciation: JAH-see sar-DES
Position: Forward
Height: 6-2
Weight: 176
Birthdate: September 2, 1991
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Last Club: Columbus Crew
Nationality: USA
