Omar Gonzalez

Lore & Background

Gonzalez played college soccer for the Maryland Terrapins, winning the 2008 College Cup. He was drafted 3rd overall by the LA Galaxy in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, winning MLS Cups in 2011, 2012, and 2014 with LA Galaxy. He was named MLS Rookie of the Year in 2009 and MLS Defender of the Year in 2011. He later played for Pachuca, Toronto FC, New England Revolution, and Atlanta United. He represented the United States at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and won CONCACAF Gold Cups in 2013 and 2017. He last played for the national team in 2019.

Reader's Guide

Gonzalez is a center-back known for his physical presence. He has played for LA Galaxy, Pachuca, Toronto FC, New England Revolution, and Chicago Fire FC II. He scored an own goal in a 2018 World Cup qualifier that prevented the U.S. from qualifying. He joined Chicago Fire FC II as an assistant coach and player in 2025.

Did You Know?

• Rafa Márquez was the first center-back to earn a Designated Player contract in MLS, signing with the New York Red Bulls in 2010, a year before Gonzalez's DP deal.
• He was unveiled as Darth Vader during his presentation with Pachuca.
• He scored an own goal in the final 2017 World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago, leading to the U.S. failing to qualify.