It may be that the initial pay isn't the hang up. MLS deals won't be for less than 3yrs and likely with unilateral league option(s). It could be that he objects to the contract length, not the sum.
If the Galaxy still see him in their future plans they'll talk to the league and have them make a GA offer he can't refuse.
Another take on Zardes: "Zardes is a raw talent with a sturdy body, speed with unrefined technical tools. His touch isn't sharp and he hasn't put his game fully together. There are obvious glimmers of ability, but the sophomore has much to learn and to polish to become successful as a professional. I hope that he trains with a MLS team in the summer to better acquaint himself with the standard that will be expected. Then, after next fall, I expect that he might be ready for a Generation Adidas contract - assuming he commits himself and continues to develop his tactical and technical understanding." http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/coll...2/Joes-Big-Board-heads-to-No-California--Pt-2
Is it just me, or does "100K deal" seem a little strange? Still young (not ready to step right in), not exactly tearing it up in a big college team/conference, La...a team that isn't exactly playing youngsters alot atm. Has any HG got that kinda of first contract? I know Najar got a raise, but that was a redone contract.
Zardes hit goal number 14 in a 4-0 win against Sacramento State on Friday: http://www.gorunners.com/ViewArticl...18&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=13300&ATCLID=205316795
His goal against Sacramento State: [ame="http://vimeo.com/30742462"]CSUB v Sac State 10-14-11 on Vimeo[/ame]
Zardes scored both goals in a 2-1 come from behind win against UNLV. http://www.gorunners.com/ViewArticl...18&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=13300&ATCLID=205320726 His season tally now stands at 16.
Why not? LA-area college talent gets a much closer eye than other college teams. Kei Kamara got similiar offers while he was at CSU Dominguez Hills. Zardes was a member of the Galaxy's academy team and has been involved with them for a while, so they know him well. I think better than anyone, they know his worth and tried to get him there before he decides to enter the MLS draft and go much higher than the Galaxy can grab him (that is, if he decides to enter the draft).
i spoke to a college coach who played against him this year and said he is the real deal, especially off the ball intelligent movement to maximize effectiveness of his speed and talent. Of course he will not be as successful against better competition that is to be expected but his quality will still shine through.
FWIW, topdrawersoccer rates him at #17 among college sophomores, juniors and seniors. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soccer/college-national-top-100/men Joe Mauceri doesn't rate him among the top 25 underclassmen. http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/coll...id-20160/Top-pro-prospects-tracked-every-week
i think part of the reason he isn't rated higher nationally is because of lack of coverage for MPSF teams. Other than UNM, they dont' get the love the Pac 10 and Big West get.
Zardes scored his 17th goal of the season yesterday in a 1-0 win away to Denver. http://www.gorunners.com/ViewArticl...18&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=13300&ATCLID=205324423
Zardes isn't the only American forward in the college ranks with 17 goals. Memphis has a kid named Mark Sherrod, also a redshirt sophomore, who has 17 goals and 2 assists. He's a 6-3 forward who grew up in the soccer hot-bed of.... Knoxville, TN, where he scored like a thousand goals or something in HS. Like Zardes, he's had hat-tricks in back-to-back games. Like Zardes, he missed his first season because of injury and like Zardes he had a decent but not great year as a redshirt freshman before breaking out this season in a big way. http://www.gotigersgo.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/sherrod_mark00.html
Zardes was sent off in CSUB's 2-1 loss to Air Force. Now he'll miss their final match of the regular season against Seattle University: http://www.gorunners.com/ViewArticl...18&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=13300&ATCLID=205325204
From Ives at Fox Soccer: http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/...-homegrown-player-andy-johnson-houston-020912
only thing that makes sense is that he has a bigger offer in the waiting and wanted the galaxy to top that. going back to school is a waste of time. i bet my nut he will not be playing college soccer fall 2012.
As I said on the Zardes thread on the college board, he is living in a fool's paradise if he thinks he's gonna get more money from MLS by going back to school for another season. in fact, given MLS' track record and well!-earned rep for petty vindictiveness over money, he may get a lesser offer. The ONLY way he'll get a better offer from MLS is if gets an offer from abroad and uses it as leverage.
Agreed, I also think he never gets a 200k offer, even with leverage. He put up good/great numbers against average competition at best. He should be thankful for a 6 digit offer. Hell the one 200k offer doesn't even look for MLS as we stand now. Doubt they wanna invest that again for something as unproven as Zardes. Also with the Gals cap situation already as tight as it is, anything non-GA would need to be low. Not to mention the numerous top prospects that share the same position as him that the Gals could/have signed that are younger and cheaper.