One of the well-known MLS and U.S. Men’s National Team forwards of his era has hung up his boots.Gyasi Zardes announced his retirement on Monday after a 13-year professional playing career. Zardes, 35, last played for Austin FC during the 2024 MLS season and had been a free agent since the club bought out his contract. “It’s officially time to announce my retirement from professional soccer,” Zardes said on social media. “Thank you to my family, teammates, coaches, staff, organizations, agents, friends, fans, and everyone who has been part of this journey. Forever grateful for it all.”A California native, Zardes excelled at the collegiate level with Cal State Bakersfield before eventually getting his chance in the USL and MLS. After signing with the LA Galaxy in 2012 as a homegrown player, Zardes went on to score 34 goals in 131 appearances for the club, helping the Galaxy win MLS Cup in 2014.Zardes later moved to the Columbus Crew and enjoyed success under then-head coach Gregg Berhalter. He scored 54 goals in 110 appearances for the Crew, winning the league’s Comeback Player of the Year award in 2018, MLS Cup in 2020 and Campeones Cup in 2021. The final stops of Zardes’ MLS career were with the Colorado Rapids and Austin FC, where he finished with 18 goals in 87 appearances. Zardes’ 105-career MLS goals ranks him the league’s Top-10 all time goalscorers.Zardes debuted for the USMNT in 2015 and finished with 14 goals in 68 caps. He registered double-digit caps in 2015 (19), 2016 (12), 2019 (15), and 2021 (10) and lifted two CONCACAF Gold Cups with the squad.