IRVINE, Calif. – LA Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes is excited about his opportunity to lead the United States against Mexico in Saturday’s CONCACAF Cup at the Rose Bowl.
The 24-year-old striker from nearby Hawthorne was among the 23 players selected for the one-game playoff match that will determine CONCACAF’s place in the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. More than 90,000 fans are expected at the legendary Pasadena venue for the pivotal contest.
Despite being a relative newcomer to the USMNT, Zardes is no stranger to big games.
With important goals in the 2014 MLS Cup and against the Netherlands in a friendly over 12 months, Zardes has shown an ability to rise to the occasion in pivotal matches. Now Zardes is relishing an opportunity to help the USMNT book a spot in the Confederations Cup in his hometown.
“It’s a very special game for me. We’re here in my hometown where I was born and raised. To be a part of this 23 man group is a blessing,” Zardes told reporters prior to the U.S. National Team’s training session in Irvine. “These guys are great soccer players, and to be teammates with some of the greats is amazing for my career.”
A big performance in the CONCACAF Cup would cap off a fantastic year for Zardes internationally. After making his first appearance for the U.S. at StubHub Center in January, Zardes has compiled 15 appearances with 12 starts and two goals for the USMNT.
Plenty of expectations will be placed on the kid from Hawthorne on Saturday with a place in the Confederations Cup on the line, and Zardes’ LA Galaxy teammates expect him to deliver.
“Gyasi is going to work hard. He’s going to anchor that wing and be aggressive going forward,” said forward Alan Gordon. “I hope that he’ll whip in some good crosses in. I think that Gyasi is going to have a big day. I’ll be rooting for him.”
“Gyasi is a workhorse. He runs three times more than anyone,” U.S. World Cup veteran Edson Buddle added. “Hopefully he gets the start. I’m sure that if he does, he’ll do well.”
With his teammates supporting him, the local boy is hopeful that he’ll deliver the CONCACAF Cup to the United States.
“We’re working extremely hard,” said Zardes. “It’s very important. There’s a Cup on the line and we want to win that Cup. … We have an opponent in Mexico that we’re going to face on Saturday, and we want to win.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at www.LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com