COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – FC Dallas have signed more Homegrown players than any other MLS club, so it should come as no surprise that it was one of their own who shined in Tuesday’s 2015 Chipotle Homegrown Game.
FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez put forth a standout performance in the Homegrowns’ shootout loss after a 1-1 draw through 90 minutes against Club América’s U-20s at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
“He was fantastic in the game tonight,” said Rapids goalkeeping coach Chris Sharpe, who worked with both MLS Homegrown ‘keepers during the week as an assistant to head coach Landon Donovan. “He kept us in the game two or three times in the first half. What I like about him is he’s very calm, he’s got fantastic feet, good starting position and good communication on the ball.”
The Mexican U-20 international cut out two crosses and tallied two saves in the first half, including a tipped effort that preserved the MLS Homegrowns’ 1-0 lead before being subbed out for Columbus Crew SC’s Matt Lampson at the start of the second half.
Playing against a team that featured five of Gonzalez’s Mexico U-20 teammates, the 20-year-old felt the need to impress.
“I was honestly looking forward to playing against Club América,” Gonzalez said. “I felt motivated; it was great playing against them.”
Like many of his counterparts, the chance to play in the game presented a small step toward bigger aspirations down the line.
“For me, my goal is to make my debut with the senior national team,” he said. “Moving forward, I have to keep getting call ups.”
He’s had a solid start, leading the Mexico U-20s to a CONCACAF Championship in January. But when it comes to following a path to the senior team, Gonzalez has looked toward Mexican international and Houston Dynamo Designated Player Eric “Cubo” Torres to provide a blueprint.
“Cubo Torres playing in MLS has a lot to do with the respect MLS is gaining in Mexico,” he said. “It’s growing.”
While Gonzalez watched from the sideline as the Homegrowns fell to América in a penalty shootout, he still viewed the experience as a valuable one.
“I thought it was a great game,” he said. “A game you learn from.”
