Ray Gaddis
Gaddis with FC Cincinnati in 2023
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Raymon Gaddis | ||
| Date of birth | January 13, 1990 | ||
| Place of birth | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States | ||
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| North Central Panthers | |||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2008–2011 | West Virginia Mountaineers | 72 | (0) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2010–2011 | Reading United | 9 | (1) |
| 2012–2020 | Philadelphia Union | 221 | (0) |
| 2022–2023 | FC Cincinnati | 51 | (0) |
| Total | 281 | (1) | |
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Raymon "Ray" Gaddis is an American former professional soccer player. He was a defender known for his strong play and dedication on the field. Ray Gaddis played for two main teams during his professional career: the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati.
Contents
Ray Gaddis: A Soccer Journey
Ray Gaddis was born on January 13, 1990. He became a well-known defender in American professional soccer. He played many games and was an important part of his teams' defenses.
His College Soccer Days
Ray grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. He went to North Central High School. After high school, he played college soccer at West Virginia University from 2009 to 2011.
During his time in college, Ray was a very reliable player. In 2010, he was one of only two players who played every single minute of the season! He finished his college career with 6 assists in 73 games. An assist is when a player helps set up a goal for a teammate.
While in college, Ray also played for a team called Reading United in 2010 and 2011. This team was connected to the Philadelphia Union. For Reading, he scored one goal and helped with 8 assists.
Playing Professional Soccer
Joining the Philadelphia Union
In 2012, Ray Gaddis was chosen by the Philadelphia Union in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. This draft is how professional soccer teams pick new players from colleges. He was the 35th player picked overall.
Ray made his first professional soccer appearance in a Major League Soccer (MLS) game on April 14, 2012. He quickly showed his skills. On June 23, he got his first MLS assist in a big 4–0 win for the Union.
His first year as a professional was very successful. He played in 18 games and started 17 of them. Because of his great performance, he was named one of the best rookie players in the MLS for 2012. He also received an award called the NAACP Image Award for Male Athlete of the Year.
A Key Defender for the Union
Ray Gaddis became a very important player for the Philadelphia Union. In 2014, he signed a new contract to stay with the team. He was often played as a left-back, even though he naturally played on the right side of the defense. He started 34 games that season and helped the Union reach their first U.S. Open Cup final.
In August 2018, Ray made history for the Union. He became the player with the most minutes played for the club! This shows how long and how well he played for them. He signed another contract in January 2019, staying with the Union for his eighth season.
Retirement and Comeback with FC Cincinnati
On March 4, 2021, Ray Gaddis announced that he was retiring from professional soccer. He had played in 227 games for the Philadelphia Union.
However, his retirement did not last long! On January 5, 2022, he decided to come back to soccer and signed with FC Cincinnati. He played for them through the 2023 season. This move brought him back together with his former coach and general manager from the Union.
Ray's Life Off the Field
Ray Gaddis is a Christian. He is also very active in helping his community. He believes in giving back.
In 2013, he represented the Philadelphia Union at a special "Soccer for Newtown" event in Connecticut. He also participated in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll with other Union players.
In 2020, Ray played a big part in starting an organization called Black Players for Change. This group is made up of MLS players and coaches. They work to encourage positive change and to support Black voices and communities.
Career Achievements
Ray Gaddis had a successful career, winning some important honors with his teams.
Philadelphia Union
- Supporters' Shield: 2020 (This award goes to the MLS team with the best regular season record.)
- U.S. Open Cup runner-up: 2014, 2015, 2018 (This means his team reached the final game of this cup competition three times.)
FC Cincinnati
- Supporters' Shield: 2023
Individual
- Jerry Yeagley Award: 2020 (This award recognizes a player's character and leadership.)
See also
In Spanish: Raymon Gaddis para niños
