CARSON — Gyasi Zardes lived the soccer dream.
The local kid from Hawthorne signed with the Galaxy, his local club, which would eventually lead to him putting on the U.S. national team jersey and a 13-year MLS career, with additional stops in Colorado, Columbus and Austin FC.
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Zardes, 35, recently closed the playing chapter on his career, announcing his retirement in September.
On Saturday, Zardes returned to where his career began, as he was honored before the Galaxy’s game against San Diego FC at Dignity Health Sports Park.
“It means everything, man,” he said during a pregame chat with the media. “This is where my career started, so it’s like a full-circle moment.”
“One key thing about me was always about inspiring the next generation and as I’m walking around the stadium, there’s so many little kids that are taking pictures and asking for autographs, asking for advice and that means more to me than anything.”
Zardes’ career path was unlike many. After attending Leuzinger High in Lawndale, Zardes spent a brief time with the Galaxy Academy and then moved to Cal State Bakersfield. After a successful collegiate career, Zardes returned to the Galaxy, signing as a Homegrown Player in late 2012.
The next season, Zardes made his first-team debut and, in 2014, became the first Homegrown Player to score in an MLS Cup final.
Zardes spent five seasons with the Galaxy. He finished his time with the club with 139 career appearances and 40 total goals.
“Kids that live in the surrounding cities, Hawthorne, Gardena, Compton, Pasadena, L.A., I did it, you can do it as well,” he said. “Galaxy’s here and they paved the way for me. The same thing goes for you, you just gotta believe.”
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At the national team level, Zardes made 68 appearances, helping the USMNT win two CONCACAF Gold Cups. His debut came in 2015 in Carson.
“Everything I’ve accomplished and achieved, it’s more than I could dream of,” he said. “Representing my country … think about how many American soccer players are out there and for me to put on that shirt, I think 68 times and score … I mean, my first start was here in this stadium and first assist, passing to Clint Dempsey, running in on goal, so moments like that, it means so much. I believe I’ve achieved everything and I had a phenomenal career.”
After leaving the Galaxy, Zardes spent 2018-2022 with the Columbus Crew, highlighted by three consecutive double-digit goal seasons (2018-2020). He also added another MLS Cup in 2020 with the Crew. He spent the majority of the 2022 season with Colorado, scoring nine goals before moving on to Austin FC (2023-24). He didn’t play last season.
“Obviously, physically, I can still play,” Zardes said. “But I think mentally, you got to know and weigh the pros and cons (of still playing). Yes, you can still play, you still sacrifice for your family and be away from your family. I have four kids and they’re getting older. They’re pursuing their dreams and goals and right now.
“I’m loving everything about being a more present dad and going to soccer games, sitting in the corner, being quite and just watching, you know. Watching my girls dance. Before, I would miss dance competitions, but now I get to go. ‘Are we traveling to a different state (for competitions)? Let’s go.’”
As for his future, Zardes said he is working on “different projects” but has started coaching kids from ages 4-18.
“I have my coaching licenses, I just finished my MBA at Indiana University, so I’m curious to see how I can steadily enhance the game off the field, while utilizing everything that I’ve been accomplishing. It’s an exciting time (his future) and I’m looking forward to it.
As for maybe a return to Southern California in the next phase of life: “All my family is here. But, you know, it depends on what’s best for the family and opportunities.”
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