Topics: MLS, Austin FC, Gyasi Zardes
The former Colorado Rapids striker joins Los Verdes as a free agent.

Major League Soccer club Austin FC have completed the signing of Gyasi Zardes, the club announced on Monday. The 31-year-old striker signed a three-year contract with the option of a fourth, joining Los Verdes as a free agent after a short stint with Colorado Rapids.

"We'd like to extend a warm welcome to Gyasi and his family to Austin, and we're excited to add a player and person of his quality to our roster," Austin sporting director Claudio Reyna said in a press statement.

"Gyasi has one of the most impressive resumés of any striker to have played in MLS and brings excellent goal-scoring and leadership to the team."

Zardes joins Austin FC as one of the most accomplished forwards in the history of the MLS Having made his debut in 2013, he ranks as the league's 13th highest goalscorer, scoring 97 goals and registering 25 assists across 267 regular-season appearances with the LA Galaxy, Columbus and Colorado. Last season, the US international scored nine goals and registered two assists in 26 games with the Rapids.

"I can't wait to step out on the field at Q2 Stadium and represent both Austin FC and the community as a whole," Zardes said in an Austin FC press release.

"I love the way Austin FC plays, and look forward to working with Claudio, Josh, and the rest of the team. This is a special moment for my family and me."

With tons of experience under his belt, Zardes joins Austin as a certified winner. The veteran forward has won two MLS Cups with LA Galaxy and Columbus respectively, and was a member of two U.S. Men's National Team squads that won CONCACAF Gold Cup titles in 2017 and 2021.