All-Star Athlete
Gyasi Zardes By Stephen Lynch
50
Bakersfield Life Magazine
CSUB forward Gyasi Zardes takes a shot on goal against San Jose State.
March 2013
PHOTO BY JACLYN BOROWSKI
A
s a forward on the Cal State Bakersfield men’s soccer team the past three years, Gyasi Zardes wowed fans, teammates and opponents alike with his spectacular playmaking ability. The 6-foot-2-inch 175-pounder from Hawthorne racked up goals at a record pace, and carried the Roadrunners to new heights, including a berth in the NCAA tournament during his junior year. Now the 21-year old soccer standout is about to take his immense talents to a much bigger stage as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy. Despite having another year of college soccer eligibility remaining, Zardes recently signed as a “Homegrown Player” with the two-time defending Major League Soccer champions. “It’s definitely a blessing to get picked up by a team such as the L.A. Galaxy, which has a lot of history, especially winning various championships and titles,” Zardes said. “It’s a great accomplishment, and I know I have more work to put in to keep to achieving more accomplishments.” Zardes has already began training with the Galaxy, a club that he previously represented at the Under-18 and Under-20 levels. He led the Galaxy U-20’s to the United Soccer Leagues Super-20 final in 2010. “So far it’s going great,” Zardes said. “I’m working hard each and every day. I’m definitely taking in as much advice from the coaches and others players, and trying to increase my level and adapt to the professional game.” Zardes, who is still taking online classes at CSUB in an effort to graduate with a degree in criminal justice later this year, decided to turn professional after scoring 33 goals in 37 games during the past two years for the Roadrunners. During that same time span, he