CARSON, Calif. – A week ago, Gyasi Zardes sealed a 2-1 victory for the LA Galaxy against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, now the forward is looking to build on that effort with another performance against the Colorado Rapids.
Zardes could be expected to pick up the offensive slack again with Robbie Keane yet to train so far this week for LA. If Keane is unable to go, one can expect Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena to opt for the forward tandem of Jose Villarreal and Zardes yet again.
“It’s another opportunity to show my potential and help out my team. If Bruce gives me another opportunity then I’m going to make it worthwhile,” Zardes said. “My mentality is that I’ll work hard for my teammates. My teammates give me that drive, we have great chemistry and we were well with each other. They always push me and yell at me, so once I hear them yelling at me, I just want to give it my all. It’s like another burst of energy that comes out of nowhere.”
As showcased in his breathtaking goal against Vancouver, Zardes’ physical abilities are a key part of his game, but the forward will be tested on Saturday as he will be forced to deal with the Colorado altitude. The altitude in the Commerce City typically diminishes speedsters like Zardes, but the LA forward believes that with a solid pregame workout that he can limit the effects.
“I played in Colorado in college and the altitude is dreadful, when you’re running, it’s like you’re winded. It’s important to get a good workout in,” said Zardes. “I’m just going to listen to [Strength and Fitness coach Ben Yauss] and really warm up. I want to be as prepared as possible to go in [to Colorado] and give it my all.”
