CARSON, Calif. – Gyasi Zardes didn’t find the back of the net for the United States in their 3-2 win over Iceland at StubHub Center on Sunday, but the affable LA Galaxy striker left his 20th appearance for the USMNT pleased with his performance.
Zardes earned his 17th start for the United States, going 75 minutes in the victory against the European side. Jozy Altidore, Michael Orozco and Steve Birnbaum scored for the Americans while Kristinn Steindorsson and Aron Sigurdarson tallied for Iceland.
The Galaxy forward was part of the buildup in Altidore’s opener, as he laid the ball off to Michael Bradley near the top of the box before Bradley found his Toronto FC teammate for the goal. Zardes also had two chances of his own to score his fourth international tally but saw both close range attempts miss the target.
“The first half, I thought my linkup play with Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore was great. It was nice to be a part of the first goal of the year,” said Zardes. “On that header, I hit it down, but it skidded across the surface and went over the crossbar which is unlucky as a striker. I’m still motivated to press even harder and progress as a player.”
As the match wore on, Zardes moved from up top alongside Altidore to wide on the left flank as the Americans sought to breakdown an organized Icelandic squad. Although the Galaxy attacker pressed forward on the wing, he did not register another chance on goal.
Zardes readily admitted after the match that he is still in preseason form, but refused to allow his form to be an excuse.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity because I know some strikers go entire games without any chances on goal. When I have an opportunity like that, I know another will come,” said Zardes. “You can’t dwell on the past. You can’t go back in time; you just have to forget about it and know that another chance is going to come.”
Whereas last year, Zardes was the newcomer in training camp, this time around there was a whole crop of youngsters aiming to test themselves for Jurgen Klinsmann. The kids proved to be alright as Birnbaum notched his first USMNT goal and assist while Kellyn Acosta, Ethan Finlay, Tony Tchani, and Jerome Kiesewetter earned their first caps for the senior team.
With a loaded schedule on the docket that includes the Copa America Centenario, Zardes is eager to see the growth that he and the rest of the USMNT’s new faces can achieve in the coming months.
“The players that are here that are young are very good players,” Zardes said. “Those guys are looking very good so I’m excited about what is to come.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him on LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
