When Philadelphia Union took the field for Tuesday night's nationally broadcast match against MLS newcomers Inter Miami CF, Union fans will see Ray Gaddis start in the back line for the 200th time in his career.
Drafted out of West Virginia University in the second round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, Gaddis has done it all for the Boys in Blue throughout his nine years with the club. He went from right back to left back, then returned to the right. He grew from a young prospect into a locker room leader, showing off a work ethic and self-belief that few can match. And along the way, he has connected with Union fans in that rare way that builds lifelong friendships.
Tonight, Gaddis becomes the 12th active player in the league to have 200 starts with their current team. The list he joins is short but impressive: Kyle Beckerman, Chris Wondolowski, Diego Chara, Diego Valeri are only a few of the stars that have matched Gaddis’ achievement.
The 30-year-old is constantly showcasing the leadership abilities that earned him a new contract ahead of the 2019 season. Philly’s young core sees him as a guiding light to follow as they learn how to behave like professional athletes each and every day. In training, he treats every session as a chance to learn and replicate game speed. If you went through the tape you’d never know if you were watching Gaddis as a locked in starter or during a season that he spent more time on the bench than the pitch. This is why Gaddis is valuable in ways that outsiders struggle to grasp: He represents the club’s internal culture of hard work, character, and belief in yourself and those close to you.
The club's all-time leader in minutes played, appearances and starts, Gaddis has become a key piece of the Union’s culture and, one day, he will be seen as a club legend. Whether it’s for his ability to plug holes at the drop of a hat or embody the culture of character the club seeks to foster, Ray Gaddis provides value. He’s done it in the past and he will do it many times in the future, starting with tonight’s match against Inter Miami CF.
