If any Major League Soccer follower were to describe Gyasi Zardes in one word before he joined Columbus Crew SC, in January of 2018, they would probably go with ‘versatile.’ One season with the Black & Gold and 20 goals later, the 27-year-old striker has arguably redefined his label, as ‘lethal,’ ‘decisive’ and ‘difference-maker’ are certainly better fits for his current form in the league.
The shift in his career happened when Zardes came to Columbus and became the team’s go-to player and its undisputed starter at the striker position. He was the club’s top goal scorer and MVP in 2018, won the league's Comeback Player of the Year award and, week after week, erased all questions surrounding the deal that brought him to the Black & Gold and sent former fan-favorite Ola Kamara to the LA Galaxy.