Philly Sports Jabronis
Chester, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union has signed defender Ray Gaddis to a new multiyear contract, the club announced today. The 24-year old, originally drafted 35th overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, has emerged as one of the top defenders in Major League Soccer. Per club and League policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
“First of all, when you talk about Ray, I get a smile on my face because this is one of the things I’m most happy about in my short tenure as the coach to get him rewarded for all his hard work,” said Interim Team Manager Jim Curtin. “Off the field, this is a tribute to his parents. They’ve raised a kid who has as good of character as I’ve ever seen in a human being. In terms of accepting challenges and taking on new roles – playing left back without complaining, working after practice every day on his weak foot and finding ways to get better – he does everything you ask and more.”
Gaddis’ undeniable hustle has allowed him not only to start but play all but nine minutes in all 27 of the Union’s MLS matches this season. His ability to shut down defenders playing either on the right or left side of the pitch is nothing short of remarkable.
“I think God played a big part in this,” Gaddis said. “Being in the right place at the right time and just being patient paid off. The team really helped me mold as a player. Like I’ve said, you can always get better and I think that’s been instilled in me since I was a kid.”
“It’s a blessing and I think [the coaches] are familiar with what I can do now in my third year,” continued Gaddis. “It speaks dividends about the organization and taking care of its players. But right now my focus is to win against Red Bulls and then win the Open Cup – get this first trophy for the Philadelphia Union and then make the playoffs.”
In 2013, Gaddis played and started in 31 games for the Union, logging a total of 2703 minutes. Drafted in 2012 out of West Virginia, he made his MLS debut on April 14 against the Columbus Crew and went on to play in 18 games, starting in 17, including the final seven games of the season. On June 23, he recorded his first MLS assist in the Union’s 4-0 win over Sporting Kansas City
Gaddis played for Union PDL affiliate Reading United in 2010 and 2011 and earned Second Team all-BIG EAST honors as a senior in 2011. He was a MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List member prior to the season after being named a third team All-American by TopDrawerSoccer in 2010. Gaddis registered six assists in 73 career games at West Virginia University.
