TIJUANA, B.C. -- “A change of scenery is sometimes a good thing.”
Recently, I had the opportunity to watch former Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez with his new club C.F. Pachuca in a match against Liga MX rivals Club Tijuana. In the contest at the Estadio Caliente, Gonzalez put forth a strong effort, and even added an assist, in his league debut for the Tuzos helping them earn a 1-1 draw with Tijuana. A week later, Gonzalez was in the starting lineup again, this time leading the stout Pachuca defense to their first shutout of the year in a 1-0 victory over Quetararo.
In both matches, Gonzalez had shaken off the issues that troubled him at the tail end of last season, as the 6-foot-4 defender provided the lockdown defense that became his signature in Major League Soccer. Although he's still settling into his new digs, Gonzalez admits that he's feeling “great” about his move south of the border.
“I’m very excited. I love it here,” Gonzalez told LA Galaxy Insider. “A change of scenery is sometimes a good thing. In my case, I think it’s a very good thing. I think that I’m going to grow a lot as a player here. My family is very happy.”
Despite being a new face at the Estadio Hidalgo, Gonzalez wasted little time taking an immediate leadership role with the Tuzos. In each of his first two matches, Gonzalez has shown a commanding presence, as he’s organized a Pachuca defense that has conceded just once in two games.
This style of play isn't anything new for Gonzalez, who is eager to make a good impression with his new club.
I’m just doing it. I’m going to do my part to help the team,” said Gonzalez. “That’s the kind of player that I am, and I just got to keep it coming and help the team get points.”
