FC Cincinnati have signed veteran defender Raymon “Ray” Gaddis to a contract through 2023, with an option for the 2024 season, the club announced today.
Gaddis has logged over 19,000 MLS minutes in 225 appearances, all with the Philadelphia Union. The Union’s all-time appearance and minutes leader was the 35th overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, and he recorded 10 assists in his nine seasons with the club.
“When Ray stepped away from the game a year ago, he was arguably playing at the highest level of his career,” said FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright. “He’s a lockdown defender and with the ability to play both outside back positions. His character and leadership are second-to-none, and he will be an excellent addition to the group.”
Gaddis, who announced his retirement the conclusion of the 2020 season, remained very active off the pitch in his native Indianapolis. Gaddis was a founding member of MLS’ Black Players for Change in 2020 and is a key member of the Black Players Coalition. Last year, he helped unveil a mini-pitch at Oscar Charleston Park in Indy. Aimed at removing barriers and providing a safe place to play, the mini-pitch features colorful murals celebrating the contributions of African American trailblazers.
In December, the United Soccer Coaches announced that Gaddis was selected as the winner of the Jerry Yeagley Award for Exceptional Personal Achievement. He will be honored on January 21. The award is named after the legendary Indiana University men’s soccer coach and is presented annually to a former collegiate soccer student-athlete
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati sign defender Raymon “Ray” Gaddis to a contract through 2023, with an option for 2024, on January 5, 2022.
RAY GADDIS
Pronunciation: RAY GAD-diss
Height: 5’9’’
Birthdate: January 13, 1990
Birthplace: Indianapolis, IN
Nationality: United States
How Acquired: Via signing on January 5, 2022
Check out FC Cincinnati's 2022 schedule HERE. 2022's home schedule begins at TQL Stadium when the club hosts D.C. United in the home opener on March 5. Tickets are currently available through Season Ticket Memberships. Fans can get the best tickets at the best price to the best matches all season long, including the home opener, by purchasing season tickets at fccincinnati.com/tickets or by calling 513-977-KICK, that’s 513-977-5425.
Fans can now purchase half-season ticket packages, starting at just $170. The “Orange” pack contains nine matches, including the Hell is Real match vs. the Columbus Crew. The “Blue” pack contains eight matches, including the home opener vs. D.C. United. To receive more information on half-season ticket packages, fill out the interest form at fccincinnati.com/tickets/2022-ticket-interest.
FC Cincinnati begin their fourth season of MLS competition in 2022, and their second playing at TQL Stadium. For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.
