:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5342219/137808285.0.jpg)
The Gyasi Zardes signing has been confirmed by Galaxy PR, almost twenty four hours since news first broke on twitter. The Bakersfield Californian has a story reporting his offer was likely near $100,000 making Zardes the Galaxy's second Homegrown Player making above the minimum, the maximum allowed to be considered off budget by MLS.
Zardes signs with LA Galaxy - BakersfieldCalifornian.com
The Los Angeles Galaxy has signed Cal State Bakersfield striker Gyasi Zardes to a contract, CSUB coach Simon Tobin confirmed Wednesday night. The signing was first reported on a tweet by CSUB assistant coach Keith Costigan Wednesday afternoon. Zardes, 21, could not be reached for comment.
Confirming what I speculated on yesterday, that we'll see Sorto signed to the minimum and Zardes at a senior roster salary.
"I am extremely excited about the opportunity to join the LA Galaxy. The chance to play in front of family and friends and alongside the likes of Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan truly is a dream come true," said Zardes. "I would like to sincerely thank the Galaxy, MLS, Cal-State University Bakersfield and Wasserman for their support and belief in me. I would also like to thank God without whom I would certainly not be where I am today. I am looking forward to working hard and helping the Galaxy defend their MLS Cup title next season".
In 2012, Zardes scored fifteen goals and added nine assists, each which were team highs, in seventeen games. In case it's not clear, that's really good. Since he's gotten playing experience at Cal State Bakersfield, this is more like the Galaxy getting a SuperDraft pick who can start his career off the books, which is quite a steal. Expect him to get minutes with the senior team right away.
On the keeper front, the Galaxy have yet to announce progress on any of the three goalkeepers they're currently negotiating with (Brian Perk was erroneously announced as signed, when he's simply close). A rumor has started to pick up steam train speed that Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini will sign with the LA Galaxy on a two year contract.
Los Angeles Galaxy, Tottenham goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini near deal - Soccer - SI.com
The Los Angeles Galaxy are close to completing the transfer of Carlo Cudicini from English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. The MLS champions have negotiated a two-year contract for the veteran Italian goalkeeper, who has asked to be paid the maximum possible within the club's salary cap.