Ray Gaddis

{{short description|American soccer player}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}} {{Use American English|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Ray Gaddis | image = Gaddis.jpg | caption = Gaddis with [[FC Cincinnati]] in 2023 | fullname = Raymon Gaddis | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|1|13}} | birth_place = [[Indianapolis]], [[Indiana]], United States | height = 5 ft 9 in | position = [[Defender (Association football)|Defender]] | currentclub = | clubnumber = | youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = [[North Central High School (Indianapolis)|North Central Panthers]] | collegeyears1 = 2008–2011 | college1 = [[West Virginia Mountaineers men's soccer|West Virginia Mountaineers]] | collegecaps1 = 72 | collegegoals1 = 0 | years1 = 2010–2011 | clubs1 = [[Reading United A.C.|Reading United]] | caps1 = 9 | goals1 = 1 | years2 = 2012–2020 | clubs2 = [[Philadelphia Union]] | caps2 = 221 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2022–2023 | clubs3 = [[FC Cincinnati]] | caps3 = 51 | goals3 = 0 | medaltemplates = | club-update = | nationalteam-update = | totalcaps = 281 | totalgoals = 1 }}

'''Raymon''' "'''Ray'''" '''Gaddis''' (born January 13, 1990) is an American former professional [[Association football|soccer]] player who played as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]].

==College career== Gaddis grew up in [[Indianapolis, Indiana]], attended [[North Central High School (Indianapolis)|North Central High School]], and played [[College soccer in the United States|college soccer]] at [[West Virginia Mountaineers|West Virginia]] from 2009 to 2011. Gaddis received second team all-[[Big East Conference (1979–2013)|Big East]] honors in his junior and senior seasons respectively. Gaddis was also one of two players to play every minute during the 2010 campaign. Gaddis ended his college career with 6 assists in 73 career games. Gaddis also played for [[Philadelphia Union]] [[USL Premier Development League|PDL]] affiliate [[Reading United A.C.|Reading United]] in 2010 and 2011. During his tenure at [[Reading United A.C.|Reading]], he scored a goal and registered 8 assists.

==Club career== Gaddis was drafted in the second round (35th overall) of the [[2012 MLS SuperDraft]] by [[Philadelphia Union]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/01/union-select-hoffman-jordan-gaddis-2012-superdraft|title=Union select Hoffman, Jordan, Gaddis in 2012 SuperDraft|publisher=Philadelphia Union|date=2012-01-12|access-date=2012-01-21|archive-date=2012-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116052930/http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/01/union-select-hoffman-jordan-gaddis-2012-superdraft|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gaddis made his MLS Debut on April 14 against the [[Columbus Crew SC]] when [[Danny Califf]] was a late scratch. On June 23, he recorded his first MLS assist in the Union's 4–0 win over Sporting Kansas City.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fcdelco.org/events/meet-ray-gaddis |title=Meet Philadelphia Union Defender, Ray Gaddis |website=fcdelco.org |access-date=4 September 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904182646/https://www.fcdelco.org/events/meet-ray-gaddis |url-status=live }}</ref> Gaddis's rookie season finished with 18 appearances, including 17 starts, earning him recognition in the Soccer By Ives 2012 MLS All-Rookie Best XI.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/players/raymon-gaddis|title=Raymon Gaddis {{!}} Philadelphia Union player profile|access-date=2012-04-15|archive-date=2019-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610221959/https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/players/raymon-gaddis|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soccerbyives.net/2012/10/sbi-mls-all-rookie-best-xi.html|title=SBI 2012 MLS All-Rookie Best XI|publisher=Soccer By Ives|date=2012-10-31|access-date=2013-01-13|archive-date=2013-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623083530/http://www.soccerbyives.net/2012/10/sbi-mls-all-rookie-best-xi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His rookie season was further recognized by earning the 2012 NAACP Image Award for Male Athlete of the Year.<ref name=legacy>{{cite web |url=https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2020/07/16/ray-gaddis-200th-start-and-a-lasting-legacy/ |title=Ray Gaddis: 200th start and a lasting legacy |author=Matthew McClain |website=phillysportsnetwork.com |date=16 July 2020 |access-date=4 September 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904182647/https://phillysportsnetwork.com/2020/07/16/ray-gaddis-200th-start-and-a-lasting-legacy/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet|user=PhilaUnion |number=270715092750958592 |title=Congratulations to @raygaddis who received the 2012 NAACP Image Award for Male Athlete of the Year. Well deserved. #DOOP}}</ref>

During the [[2014 Philadelphia Union season|2014 season]], the Union signed Gaddis to a contract extension through the 2016 season on September 10.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://phillysoccerpage.net/2014/09/10/union-announce-new-contract-for-ray-gaddis/ |title=Union announce new contract for Ray Gaddis |author=Ed Farnsworth |website=phillysoccerpage.com |date=10 September 2014 |access-date=4 September 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904182644/https://phillysoccerpage.net/2014/09/10/union-announce-new-contract-for-ray-gaddis/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Through the 2014 season, Gaddis became a mainstay of the Union's defense, often deployed as a left-back (as opposed to his natural right-sided position). He would finish the season with 34 starts and contributed to the Union's first [[U.S. Open Cup]] final.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/12/30/7273225/2014-philadelphia-union-player-review-ray-gaddis |title=2014 Philadelphia Union Player Review: Ray Gaddis |author=Nick Youngstein |website=brotherlygame.com |date=30 December 2014 |access-date=4 September 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904182643/https://www.brotherlygame.com/2014/12/30/7273225/2014-philadelphia-union-player-review-ray-gaddis |url-status=live }}</ref> Gaddis was also recognized in 2014 with the team specific [[FIFA 15]] MLS covers where it was reveal Gaddis was chosen as the cover man to represent the Union.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/MLS/photos/a.395461858886.172430.9733218886/10152715861603887/?type=1&permPage=1 |title=Major League Soccer (MLS) |website=www.facebook.com |access-date=2014-09-29 |archive-date=2023-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815115456/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMLS%2Fphotos%2Fa.395461858886.172430.9733218886%2F10152715861603887%2F%3Ftype%3D1%26permPage%3D1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In August 2018, Gaddis became the Union's all-time leader in minutes played after a home win against [[New England Revolution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.philly.com/philly/sports/soccer/philadelphia-union-all-time-roster-minutes-played-ray-gaddis-20180826.html|title=Ray Gaddis makes Union history in all-time minutes played|author=Jonathan Tannenwald|website=www.philly.com|date=August 26, 2018|access-date=September 19, 2018|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829024634/http://www2.philly.com/philly/sports/soccer/philadelphia-union-all-time-roster-minutes-played-ray-gaddis-20180826.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gaddis re-signed with the Union in January 2019, keeping in Philadelphia for an eighth season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-re-sign-defender-raymon-gaddis |title=Philadelphia Union Re-Sign Defender Raymon Gaddis |website=philadelphiaunion.com |date=9 January 2019 |access-date=4 September 2021 |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904182643/https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/philadelphia-union-re-sign-defender-raymon-gaddis |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 4, 2021, Gaddis announced his retirement from professional soccer, after appearing in 227 matches for Philadelphia.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/post/2021/03/04/philadelphia-union-defender-ray-gaddis-announces-retirement|title=Philadelphia Union Defender Ray Gaddis Announces Retirement|access-date=2021-03-04|archive-date=2021-03-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304160729/https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/post/2021/03/04/philadelphia-union-defender-ray-gaddis-announces-retirement|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 5, 2022, he came out of retirement to sign for FC Cincinnati on a contract that runs through 2023 with an option for the 2024 season. The move reunited him with both Cincinnati head coach and former Union assistant [[Pat Noonan]] and general manager [[Chris Albright]], his former Union teammate and later the club's technical director.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fccincinnati.com/news/fc-cincinnati-sign-defender-raymon-gaddis|title=FC Cincinnati sign defender Ray Gaddis &#124; FC Cincinnati|access-date=2022-01-05|archive-date=2022-01-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107035902/https://www.fccincinnati.com/news/fc-cincinnati-sign-defender-raymon-gaddis|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Personal life== Gaddis is a [[Christianity|Christian]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Philadelphia Union defender Ray Gaddis glorifies God through soccer |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/soccer/2019/02/21/philadelphia-union-defender-ray-gaddis-glorifies-god-through-soccer/ |website=Sports Spectrum |date=21 February 2019 |access-date=8 July 2020 |archive-date=10 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810055117/https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/soccer/2019/02/21/philadelphia-union-defender-ray-gaddis-glorifies-god-through-soccer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Gaddis is active in giving back to the community. On January 7, 2013, Gaddis represented the Philadelphia Union in Newtown, Connecticut for the "Soccer for Newtown" event. In March 2013, Gaddis and fellow Union members participated in the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uniontally.blogspot.com/2013/04/union-get-presidential-for-easter.html|title=The Delaware County Daily Times Blogs: Union Tally: Union get presidential for Easter holiday|access-date=2013-07-10|archive-date=2013-12-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218140555/http://uniontally.blogspot.com/2013/04/union-get-presidential-for-easter.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, Gaddis took up an instrumental role in the creation of Black Players for Change, an organization of MLS players and coaches intended to help spur political action with peaceful protests and to amplify Black voices and Black communities.<ref name=legacy/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://blackplayersforchange.org/team/ray-gaddis/ |title=Ray Gaddis {{!}} Black Players for Change profile |website=blackplayersforchange.org |date=July 15, 2020 |access-date=4 September 2021 |archive-date=28 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728232320/https://blackplayersforchange.org/team/ray-gaddis/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Career statistics==

===Club=== {{updated|September 4, 2021|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://us.soccerway.com/players/ray-gaddis/132881/ |title=United States – R. Gaddis – Profile with news, career statistics and history – Soccerway |website=us.soccerway.com |access-date=2021-09-04 |archive-date=2021-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614173816/https://us.soccerway.com/players/ray-gaddis/132881/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! rowspan="2" |Club ! rowspan="2" |Season ! colspan="3" |League ! colspan="2" | Playoffs ! colspan=2 | National cup ! colspan=2 | Other ! colspan=2 | Total |- ! League ! Apps !! Goals ! Apps !! Goals ! Apps !! Goals ! Apps !! Goals ! Apps !! Goals |- | rowspan="10" |[[Philadelphia Union]] |[[2012 Philadelphia Union season|2012]]||[[Major League Soccer]]||18||0||0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||20||0 |- |[[2013 Philadelphia Union season|2013]] |Major League Soccer||31||0||0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||33||0 |- |[[2014 Philadelphia Union season|2014]] |Major League Soccer||34||0||0||0||5||0||colspan="2"|—||39||0 |- |[[2015 Philadelphia Union season|2015]] |Major League Soccer||28||0||0||0||5||0||colspan="2"|—||33||0 |- |[[2016 Philadelphia Union season|2016]] |Major League Soccer||7||0||0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||9||0 |- |[[2017 Philadelphia Union season|2017]] |Major League Soccer||26||0||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||27||0 |- |[[2018 Philadelphia Union season|2018]] |Major League Soccer||28||0||1||0||4||0||colspan="2"|—||33||0 |- |[[2019 Philadelphia Union season|2019]] |Major League Soccer||34||0||2||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||37||0 |- |[[2020 Philadelphia Union season|2020]] |Major League Soccer||15||0||1||0||0||0||3<ref group="lower-alpha" name="MB">Appearances in the [[MLS is Back Tournament]]</ref>||0||19||0 |- ! colspan="2" |Total !221 !0 !4 !0 !22 !0 !3 !0 !250 !0 |- | rowspan="3" |[[FC Cincinnati]] |[[2022 FC Cincinnati season|2022]] |Major League Soccer |23 |0 |1 |0 |0 |0 | colspan="2" |— |24 |0 |- |[[2023 FC Cincinnati season|2023]] |Major League Soccer |28 |0 |3 |0 |4 |0 |1<ref group="lower-alpha">Appearance in the [[Leagues Cup]]</ref> |0 |36 |0 |- ! colspan="2" |Total !51 !0 !4 !0 !4 !0 !1 !0 !60 !0 |- ! colspan="3" |Career total !272||0||8||0||26||0||4||0||310||0 |} {{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==Honors== '''Philadelphia Union''' *[[Supporters' Shield]]: [[2020 Major League Soccer season|2020]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/11/07/philadelphia-union-win-2020-mls-supporters-shield-regular-seasons-final-day|title=Philadelphia Union win 2020 MLS Supporters' Shield on regular season's final day|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=November 8, 2020|access-date=November 9, 2020|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108225428/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/11/07/philadelphia-union-win-2020-mls-supporters-shield-regular-seasons-final-day|url-status=live}}</ref> *[[U.S. Open Cup]] runner-up: [[2014 U.S. Open Cup|2014]], [[2015 U.S. Open Cup|2015]], [[2018 U.S. Open Cup|2018]]

'''FC Cincinnati''' *[[Supporters' Shield]]: [[2023 Major League Soccer season|2023]]

'''Individual''' *[[Jerry Yeagley Award]]: 2020

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{MLS player|raymon-gaddis}} * {{Soccerway|ray-gaddis/132881}} * [http://msnsportsnet.com/profile.cfm?sport=msoccer&id=101665 West Virginia profile]

{{Jerry Yeagley Award}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gaddis, Ray}} [[Category:1990 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:African-American soccer players]] [[Category:American men's soccer players]] [[Category:Men's association football full-backs]] [[Category:Major League Soccer players]] [[Category:Philadelphia Union players]] [[Category:FC Cincinnati players]] [[Category:Soccer players from Indianapolis]] [[Category:West Virginia Mountaineers men's soccer players]] [[Category:Reading United AC players]] [[Category:USL League Two players]] [[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]] [[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]