With an opportunity to pick his next landing spot, Gyasi Zardes opted against returning to the Colorado Rapids.
On Monday, Austin FC announced it had signed the veteran striker away from Colorado, agreeing to a three-year deal with an option for the 2026 season.
The 31-year-old Zardes was acquired in April in what was viewed as a blockbuster move. Colorado initially sent $300,000 in General Allocation Money to the Columbus Crew, but the deal could have reached up to $1.1 million if certain incentives were met, including re-signing with Colorado for three years after the 2022 campaign.
The money will instead stay with the Rapids, however, since Zardes did not hit any of the requirements. At the time of his signing, sources confirmed to The Post, among those were: Scoring at least 12-plus non-penalty goals ($150,000), making the U.S. Men’s National Team World Cup roster ($100,000) and winning MLS’ golden boot ($100,000).
While Zardes did have a solid season in Colorado, particularly coming down the stretch, he finished the season with nine goals alongside two assists in 26 games with the Rapids. Still, Zardes undoubtedly had a huge influence on the locker room as players and staff alike commended him for his hard work and energy.
Rapids head coach Robin Fraser called the target striker “unflappable” after scoring a hat trick against the Galaxy in July.
“Gyasi is the same guy whether he scores 20 goals, whether he scores three goals,” Fraser said. “His work attitude in training is gonna be the exact same. His approach is gonna be the same…Whatever happens, you get 100% commitment, 100% effort.”
On Monday shortly before the signing, he thanked Colorado on his social media channels.
“Thank You Colorado Rapids for taking me in Mid season and making me one of your own. To the incredible Coaching staff, Physio staff, My amazing Teammates, and Media staff, thank you for all of your hard work. Rapids Fans, thank you for all of your support and accepting from day 1.”
Thank You for taking me in Mid season and making me one of your own. To the incredible Coaching staff, Physio staff, My amazing Teammates, and Media staff, thank you for all of your hard work. Rapids Fans, thank you for all of your support and accepting from day 1
— Gyasi Zardes (@gyasinho)
As a result of the signing, the Rapids will more than likely have to consider signing a new striker to play along with Diego Rubio, who tied the franchise’s single-season goal record in 2022 with 16. Tactically, Zardes was a hard-working forward on both ends of the ball. With his frame, he commanded defenders’ attention, which opened up space for others like Rubio to create their own goal-scoring opportunities.
Zardes joins an Austin FC team on the rise after the 2-year-old franchise reached the Western Conference final this past season. Austin FC also had the league’s second-best scorer in Sebastián Driussi, who put away 25 goals.
Both free agency and the intra-league transfer market are still open, and Colorado already made one move when it brought in winger Kévin Cabral from LA Galaxy as a Designated Player. Cole Bassett also returned as a key part of the midfield. Additionally, a U-22 Initiative spot is available as the team declined defender Lucas Esteves’ loan and could look for a striker that way.
On the offseason calendar, fans can look to the MLS SuperDraft next, which will be held Dec. 21. Colorado has two first-round picks, Nos. 3 and 12.
