CARSON, Calif. –Omar Gonzalez returned to the LA Galaxy fold on Thursday after spending three weeks with the U.S. national team and was promptly thrown into action in Friday’s preseason match against the U.S. Under-17’s.
Gonzalez started the match alongside Tommy Meyer and went 45 minutes as LA defeated the U-17’s 5-0. In his first game back from U.S. duty, Gonzalez was largely untested as the U-17's registered just a single shot on frame during his 45 minute stint.
The preseason match was Gonzalez’s second in four days as he went 90 minutes in the U.S.’ scoreless draw against Canada on Tuesday. Although that match may have ended in a frustrating draw, Gonzalez was pleased with his performance throughout his first national team camp.
“The most important part was just getting to be with [head coach Jurgen Klinsmann] and the coaching staff for a few weeks. It was a good opportunity for me to be with them day in and day out and to see that I’m taking things really seriously,” said Gonzalez. “I’m looking for this opportunity and that was good. It was also good to be part of camp and work hard with all those guys. It was fun to build chemistry with guys around the league.”
However as he looks to help the Galaxy win their third straight title and eventually crack the U.S. national team set up, Gonzalez believes that he can still perfect his game.
“Of course, I don’t think my game is perfect. There are definitely things that I need to work on in my game,” said Gonzalez. “I just want to fine-tune everything in my game. Maybe pass a little bit better, make sure that I’m dominant in the air and my vocal presence.”
Klinsmann will announce the U.S. squad for Tuesday’s World Cup Qualifier against Honduras in San Pedro Sula on Monday.
“I hope I get the invite,” affirmed Gonzalez
