He'll play out his college career this fall, then ... who knows? After scoring 18 goals in 20 matches during an All-American sophomore season in Bakersfield, Zardes furthered his English experience earlier this year by training at Liverpool FC's academy, alongside notable prospects like Raheem Sterling, Conor Coady and Fernando Suso."Oh, my goodness, Suso is incredible," Zardes said.The trip reinforced his dream to play abroad."It was mind-boggling," Zardes said. "Soccer is everything over there. …. I don't like to think too far ahead in the future. But the dream is always to go abroad."...That's why Zardes is returning this fall for his junior season. The next destination, MLS or abroad, will be determined after his final collegiate game in December. http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/jul...-potential-to-be-international/#ixzz21dYyvftW College bio: http://www.gorunners.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=13300&ATCLID=204985979 He's a big striker who was born in the States in '91 to Brazilian parents.
from the VC article ... " "My dad always reiterates how important it is to have a degree behind me, even though I'm going to play professionally," Zardes said. That's why Zardes is returning this fall for his junior season. The next destination, MLS or abroad, will be determined after his final collegiate game in December. "
According to this article that came out last fall his Brazilian connection is much more distant than that: He's a third-generation American. His great-grandfather came to America from Brazil. http://www.bakersfieldcalifornian.c...sing-goals-at-an-amazing-rate-for-Roadrunners
Indeed, I skimmed the article I quoted, which calls his parents accountants with Brazilian rootsWas trying to come up with a clever quip about Brazilian accountants, but I'm pre-afternoon-caffeine right now.
Another comment from Zardes on Liverpool and playing in Europe: "it was mind-boggling. Soccer is everything over there. … I don't like to think too far ahead in the future. But the dream is always to go abroad.”http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/club-soccer-articles/pro-prospects:-superelite-tour-update_aid24682
Is he at SC Freiburg? I can't find any information there. But I remember seeing on twitter, someone saying he is moving to Germany. Then low and behold, Amobi Okugo posts on twitter, a picture of him, Caleb Stanko, and a dude named Gyasi after a reserve game. https://twitter.com/amobisays/status/274892798686281728/photo/1
Damn he didn't waste anytime getting to over to Europe to trial! He's just a few weeks removed from his college season ending. Gyasi can flat out play and it wouldn't surprise me to see Frieburg seriously interested. I saw him absolutely destroy a very respectable U of Denver last year. He looked, moved, acted, passed, and finished like a pro. A man among boys. BTW, he has ties to the Galaxy via their academy, right? Haven't they tried to sign him?
LA has homegrown option. He would probably be a 1st overall pick if he wasnt. Dudes got options for sure though.
LA reportedly tried to sign him last offseason, but Zardes wanted more money. Based on this, if he gets a more lucrative offer from a European club, it's a decent bet that he takes it. Some players value the perks of playing for a hometown club; Zardes doesn't seem like that type.
Right. I remember reading somewhere that he fancies himself as a USMNT regular in the next couple years. If he has those aspirations, along with the financial incentive, going to Europe seems like his ticket. Best of luck to him.
Sounds like this guy has some real ambition. Really wanna see this guy play and see what all the hypes about. It'd be great to see if he stays at freiburg or elsewhere in europe. Although staying with the LAG wouldn't be too bad.
No. There were rumors Rongen was going to call him in to a camp when he was age-eligible but that never materialized.
Ives Galarcep @SoccerByIves Should be noted Gyasi Zardes has interest in Europe, and at least one offer on the table from Bundesliga side. MLS just might lose him
Looks like they play in the Regionalliga Südwest: http://www.kicker.de/news/fussball/...ionalliga-suedwest-2012/2012-13/spieltag.html How many divisions down is that? Four?
Looks like the Galaxy aren't giving up on him just yet: The Galaxy head coach and general manager also reiterated that the club remain in contact with Homegrown target and CSU-Bakersfield forward Gyasi Zardes about a potential Homegrown contract.“There’s continued discussions with the people that represent him," said Arena. "We’re working to see if that’s something that can come to closure.” http://www.lagalaxy.com/blog/post/2...ks-and-other-topics-after-busy-re-entry-draft