The Philadelphia Union went into the offseason with a variety of needs, not the least of which was some defensive depth. Their first step toward adding that depth has led to the signing of a versatile player who should be familiar to U.S. national team fans.
The Union is set to sign Panamaian national team midfielder Gabriel Gomez, multiple reports in Philadelphia revealed on Thursday morning. A key figure for Panama going as far back as the 2005 Gold Cup, Gomez combines strength, athleticism and good skill on the ball and has shown an ability to play in defensive midfield, along with anywhere along the defense.
Gomez, 27, was one of Panama's top players during the team's surprising run to the 2011 Gold Cup semifinals, a run that included a shocking group stage victory against the United States. Gomez was one of Panama's stars in that upset, scoring a penalty kick goal in the victory.
What do you think of this development?
Share your thoughts below.
No,no,no, not a leftt back, not even close…
Hi is a defensivencentral midfieñder…not even a lefty!!!
I like this guy’s size. It is my hope he brings more skill, touch, and passing accuracy to the position than Migz. Just sayin’…it’s not supposed to be proper to use the article “The” in front of “Philadelphia Union.” 🙂
This is true but it will take time. Our teams continue to gain more financial flexibility each year so in the big picture we will be on level footing with the Mexican League in no time in terms of both financial competitiveness and on field product as well.
Relax Fish, just because we haven’t made a big signing yet doesnt mean they aren’t coming. Be patient my friend the offseason is young. Olsen and some other execs were recently in Europe and Japan doing some scouting so I’m sure top notch reinforcements are on the way.
Gómez will be reuniting with Fredy Adu! They played together in Portugal for Belenenses, I believe in the fall of 2009!
is he going to play left back? don’t want this to cut into okugo’s development.
good pick up for sure. MLS should be signing the best in CONCACAF who aren’t heading to Europe. but I think Mexico will continue to have the edge until MLS can pay even more.
I think that Philly keeps proving they are run by energetic and smart folks. Along with Seattle, LA, Houston and maybe Dallas, Philly is in the elite of clubs in terms of aggressive and intelligent recruiting abroad. It is the thing that separates and will continue to separate those clubs from the rest of the league, especially teams like my favorite, DC United.
I just picked out my seat for the season tickets I have for United. I only wish I was confident that the DCU front office was out there doing what it takes to get better. Some teams like Philly are obviously doing that. Others show no signs of doing not. Maybe there is something going on behind the scenes that will materialize later, but it seems curious that Philly can bring in Josue Martinez and now Gomez, while other teams seem to be standing pat.
he is a solid signing
I agree this are the kind of signings tha MLS need. We need to go the Club World Cup, it’s a must!
MLS can’t afford the BEST of CONCACAF (they go to Europe with the best of everywhere else), but I agree that this is the right kind of signing for the league.
AND, if he truly is versatile, then maybe he could slot right on into the LB spot (where he’s listed with Panama), allowing Gabe Farfan to move back up into midfield. Me likey.
I’m surprised it’s taken this long for so many Panamanians to be rumored about and now signed in MLS.
If Dallas signs Luis Moreno, that’ll be another.
So the Union ditch a slow, aging Migs and get Gabriel Gomez–that’s an upgrade right there.
The EXACT kind of signing I want to see in MLS. Sign the best in CONCACAF, whether US or other. I want MLS to be a place where the best in CONCACAF choose to play.
Nice to see national team stars* from other countries choosing MLS. *Currently playing national team stars in their prime.