ASN: Omar Gonzalez to ASN: ‘I Have not Missed LA One Bit’

Although he stays grateful for his seven years with the Galaxy, the six-foot-five defender instructed ASN he’s thrilled to be with Pachuca, enthusiastic about his growth, and wasn’t able to “take a pay cut.”

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
February 12, 2016
6:00 AM

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OMAR GONZALEZ didn’t anticipate to be one of many main success tales amongst Individuals overseas in 2016, didn’t anticipate finding himself a longtime starter at Mexican membership Pachuca, and didn’t anticipate to be rediscovering his 2011 MLS Defender of the Yr kind in a league that wasn’t MLS.

As a result of Gonzalez didn’t, in reality, anticipate to be overseas in any respect.

“I just got very comfortable in the life there,” Gonzalez instructed American Soccer Now, referencing his time in Los Angeles. “We have been an awesome crew. Why would you wish to depart a crew the place it’s totally real looking to win a championship each single 12 months? … All of it occurred so quick the place possibly I assumed that I might stick with the Galaxy however then the provide got here in from Pachuca, and it was one I could not flip my again on.

“Issues on the Galaxy have been superb. I had a tremendous seven years there enjoying below Bruce [Arena] and with my teammates. The followers of L.A. have been superb. They needed me to take a pay minimize, and I felt that at this level in my profession, it wasn’t the fitting time for me to be taking a pay minimize. In order that helped with the choice.

“Some other things were that I wanted to continue to grow as a player, and I figured coming to Liga MX would take me out of my comfort zone and try something new—a new style of soccer. It’s proven to be just that.”

Gonzalez, 27, has settled in to his new actuality seamlessly, beginning in all 5 video games thus far for second place Pachuca, which stays undefeated. The six-foot-five middle again is a direct motive for that, too: On Sunday, he scored an 88th-minute equalizer to salvage a 1-1 draw towards Pumas.

Mexico has been a type of homecoming for Gonzalez, whose mother and father each have been born there and who nonetheless has household in Monterrey. As a child, Gonzalez spent summers and holidays south of the border, and now that he lives there he’s been capable of take pleasure in a life-style he by no means might have in costly L.A.—together with a full-time non-public chef for him and his household.

“I haven’t missed L.A. one bit,” he mentioned.

The largest transition for Gonzalez has come on the sector. With the Galaxy his job was above all to defend, and when that was accomplished, “get the ball off your feet and to the midfield as quickly as possible.” With supervisor Diego Alonso and Pachuca, Gonzalez is being requested to do rather more with the ball at his toes.

“Here they’re giving me the freedom to go with the ball, put you in uncomfortable positions, and find your way out of it,” Gonzalez mentioned. “That’s been the biggest difference for me and I am loving it. I am loving that opportunity to grow as a player.”

Gonzalez acknowledges and admires the competitiveness and high quality of MLS however known as Liga MX “a bit more tactical” than MLS, an opinion shared by a lot of gamers who’ve frolicked in each leagues. And he’s enjoying for one of many higher Mexican outfits as effectively: Pachuca has gained 5 Liga MX titles since 1999 and 4 CONCACAF Champions League crowns since 2002.

Now Gonzalez is hoping his rising efficiency for this prime aspect will get him again into Jurgen Klinsmann’s good graces. The Dallas native had been a robust performer for the Individuals first of their scoreless draw at Azteca in 2013 after which in Brazil the following 12 months, however 2015 ended as a disappointment for Gonzalez—handed over for a beginning nod on the 2015 Gold Cup, out of the playoffs early with the Galaxy, left off the U.S. roster for the autumn’s World Cup qualifiers.

The 2016 calendar 12 months, in the meantime, will see the continuation of World Cup qualifying (beginning in March) after which the summer time internet hosting of the Copa American Centenario. Gonzalez should keep his kind and his well being to be concerned, however early indicators are promising: He obtained encouragement from Klinsmann by way of textual content after his sturdy begin with Pachuca, and the coach lately congratulated him for his huge purpose towards Pumas as effectively. 

— Jürgen Klinsmann (@J_Klinsmann) February 8, 2016

Gonzalez, for his half, mentioned being recalled to the U.S. nationwide crew can be “amazing” however his focus, he maintained, is on Pachuca. Do effectively along with his membership, he believes, and alternatives along with his nation will comply with.

Expectations, like his inventory, are rising.

“I am really happy with the way things have gone here in Pachuca,” Gonzalez mentioned. “What I attest to this type of rebirth in my profession [is that] I used to be extraordinarily motivated. I used to be not pleased with the way in which 2015 ended. I did not take an offseason. I used to be within the gymnasium 5 days every week. I used to be looking for any approach to get again to my kind. Lots of people helped in that course of, from my diet to only weightlifting to get stronger and getting as match as I might.

“I think it’s paying off right now.”