COLUMBUS, Ohio— Gyasi Zardes has returned to the LA Galaxy fresh off a brilliant showing with the U.S. National Team, and could be thrust back into the squad as early as this Saturday’s clash with Columbus Crew SC.
The 22-year-old striker rejoins the Galaxy after two consecutive starts with the U.S. National Team in their wins against top-ranked sides the Netherlandsand Germany. During the USMNT’s 4-3 win over the Dutch, Zardes tallied his first career international goal.
Zardes took part in Friday’s training session at Ohio State University just a day after arriving in the United States from Germany. After his performances overseas, Zardes admits that he’s returned from across the pond with a boat load of confidence.
“I feel like I did a great job at the [USMNT] camp. It feels great being back with my club after going to Europe and playing for my country,” Zardes told LA Galaxy Insider. “It’s an amazing level there and I just hope to bring that pace back to MLS. I simply want to improve as a player.
“It’s very tough traveling back and trying to get adjusted with the time. I’m constantly working with the trainers who have stuff to help me sleep at night. I’m trying to pay attention to them because they know how to get me back on track.”
The dynamic forward was at his best during the match against the Netherlands as his first international goal came off an off-balance left-footed shot that helped kick start a rally that ended with the USMNT’s first-ever win over the Dutch. Days later, Zardes could not find the score sheet but was incredibly active and dangerous as the Americans defeated 2014 World Cup champion Germany 2-1 on their home soil.
Quite simply, this past week with the U.S. was a dream come true for Zardes.
“It was amazing to score at Amsterdam ArenA, I grew up watching legends play there, and to score my first international goal there was wonderful,” Zardes said. “The atmosphere [this week] was amazing, beating both of those teams was a highlight of my career and I just hope that I can continue to grow as a player and work extremely hard… Even though we were in Europe, we felt that America was right behind us.”
Exactly what role Zardes plays on Saturday is up to head coach Bruce Arena who must decide whether or not to throw him straight into the lineup after his stellar international showing.
“We’ll probably utilize Gyasi but we want to see how he feels,” Arena said. “He’s been back in the U.S. about 24 hours now and around tomorrow all the traffic will hit him so we have to see how he’s feeling before we decide how to utilize him.”
If Zardes does get minutes against Crew SC, the forward says he’s ready.
“I’m not sure what the lineup will be but even though I did play a lot of minutes in Europe, I’m ready to go.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
