On a U.S. national team in dire need of some new blood to help take it to a new level, Gyasi Zardes has emerged as the standout of the next generation.
WASHINGTON -- The shock of bleached blonde hair Gyasi Zardes sports was originally something he settled on to help his grandparents spot him on the field. After a dream year that has seen him torch defenders, impress teammates, win an MLS Cup and cement his place on the U.S. national team, Zardes is no longer known just for his unique hairstyle.
Friday's U.S. national team friendly against Peru was seen as a chance for players to show Jurgen Klinsmann they deserve a place in the starting lineup for the all-important Confederations Cup playoff in October, and no player boosted his stock more than Zardes, who ran Peru's defense ragged and provided some much-needed energy for a U.