MASL Kansas City Comets

News Comets Sign Former MLS Player Josh Gardner

Published on January 7, 2015 under Major Arena Soccer League (MASL)
Kansas City Comets News Release


INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (January 7, 2015) - The Missouri Comets have announced the signing of free agent Josh Gardner on Wednesday. The defender/midfielder will be added to the team's roster immediately and will suit up this Saturday as the Comets host the Tulsa Revolution at the Independence Events Center. Per club policy, terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.

Gardner, 32, began his MLS career in 2004 with the LA Galaxy as the 13th overall selection out of the University of Cincinnati. He led the Bearcats with six goals and six assists in 2003, earning All-Conference USA first team honors and securing the school's second NCAA Tournament berth in program history. In three seasons, he compiled 14 goals and 15 assists in 60 games played.

"I am very excited to join the team, the guys have been doing really good, they're undefeated and I hope I can help raise the level a little bit more," Gardner said. "I am happy to be playing for Vlatko [Andonovski], he is a great person and a great coach."

Most recently, Gardner played for Sporting Kansas City where he appeared in nine MLS matches, three CONCACAF Champions League games and two U.S. Open Cup fixtures since joining the club in December 2012. In seven MLS seasons, Gardner has played in 59 games (including postseason) with three goals and six assists.

Gardner spent three seasons with the Galaxy and was a member of the 2005 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and MLS Cup championship squad where he made 21 appearances from in two years. He notched a goal and had an assist in his first professional start against Deportivo Saprissa in the 2006 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.

The Brazosport, Texas native next played for the Seattle Sounders, helping the team win the USL-1 Championship and the Commissioner's Cup in 2007. In two seasons with Seattle, he made 52 appearances with seven goals and four assists.

After moving to the Carolina RailHawks for two years, the left-footed returned to the MLS in 2011 to play for the Columbus Crew, where he tallied two goals and two assists in 23 matches. At the conclusion of the 2011 season, the Montreal Impact selected Gardner in the MLS Expansion Draft and he made six appearances for the club in 2012.

"I've been to Comets games and to be honest, I am a fan myself," Gardner said. "I have noticed that Comets fans are really loyal and I hope that my style of play not only helps the team but also entertains the fans."

The Missouri Comets (11-0) are undefeated in the inaugural season of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) after winning their first modern era MISL Championship on March of 2014.

VITALS

Josh Gardner

Position: Defender/midfielder

Number: 31

Height: 5'10''

Weight: 167

Born: 9/14/1982

Birthplace: Brazosport, Texas

Citizenship: USA

Last Club: Sporting Kansas City (MLS)

Twitter: @Gardner31

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