Although Omar Gonzalez is best-known by soccer fans for being a mainstay on the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), Gonzalez has excelled at every stop along his professional career.
After graduating from the University of Maryland, Gonzalez was selected 3rd Overall by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Gonzalez made an immediate splash, winning 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year. Two years later, Gonzalez won 2011 MLS Defender of the Year. In 2013, Gonzalez became the first American-born Defender and first Center Back in league history to earn a Designated Player Contract.
Gonzalez also experienced success on the international club circuit. After the 2015 season, Gonzalez decided to take his talents south of the border to Liga MX, signing with Pachuca C.F.. In his first season with Pachuca F.C., Gonzalez won the 2016 Liga MX Clausura Title.
On the global stage, Gonzalez first had to the opportunity to play for the 2005 U-17 U.S. Men's National Team at the FIFA U-17 World Championships. With the senior U.S Men’s National Team In 2013 and 2017, Gonzalez was a part of two CONCAF Gold Cup-winning teams. In 2014, Omar Gonzalez received the greatest U.S. Soccer honor, the opportunity to play for the U.S. Men's National Team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, starting in two matches including the Round of 16 vs. Belgium.
Now back in the MLS with the New England Revolution, Gonzalez sat down to discuss topics including his favorite moments of his career, life outside of soccer, and why, starting this year, Gonzalez has been wearing the Q-Collar:
If you’re not playing soccer or training, what will we find you doing?
“In my free time, I am usually hanging out with my family at the house, making homemade pizzas with friends, or being dragged to a farm or a park by my wife and kids.”
What is the most memorable moment of your career so far?
“This is tough, but I’d have to say the most memorable moment of my career was first making the 2014 World Cup roster in Brazil and then actually playing in the World Cup 2014. It’s inexplicable. The feelings. The emotions. The pride. I’ll never forget it.”
What is one achievement that you’d most like to accomplish in your career? / Is there anything else in your career that you'd like to accomplish?
“I want to lift another trophy. Every player dreams about being a champion. And while I’ve achieved that goal on several occasions, the desire to win again and again never goes away. If anything, I’d argue that I’m as hungry for another championship as ever before, if not more so. Another goal I have is to mentor young players in my position, just like I was mentored when I was a rookie and during those first couple of formative years as a pro. Having a mentor, or just someone you can bounce ideas off, or talk about a play with, is invaluable. Especially when that person has a lot of different experiences under their belt.”
When people ask what you’re wearing around your neck on the field, what do you tell them?
“I tell them that it’s called the Q-Collar. I explain that the pressure on the neck keeps a little extra blood to the brain which in turns helps to minimize “brain bounce.” The less my brain sloshes around, the better.”
Why did you decide to wear the Q-Collar?
“I decided to wear the Q-Collar because I head the ball more than any other player on the field and after a few scares in my career, I knew it was the smart choice to help protect my brain health, and my overall health now, and in the future.”
Other than Boston, what is your favorite city to visit in the league? Why?
“Other than Boston my favorite city to visit in the league is LA because I played there for 7 years and created so many lasting memories. I still have a lot of really close friends who live in LA, and I own a home there. LA will always have a piece of my heart. Plus, the weather is unbeatable, especially in the South Bay.”
