Photo by Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today Sports

By RYAN TOLMICH

For many, the rivalry between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Mexico has always been a fierce one. As two CONCACAF powers that share a border, the game’s are intense, the fans are loud and the stakes are high, but for some members of the USMNT, clashes with Mexico carry an even more personal feel.

Born in Texas to Mexican parents, centerback Omar Gonzalez understands what it’s like to embrace both sides of the rivalry. As a child, Gonzalez made frequent visits to spend time with family, but in the time since, the 26-year-old has grown into one of the most stable defenders in the USMNT pool.

As a Mexican-American, Gonzalez understands the conflict that affects those with dual heritages, both fans and players alike. With more Mexican-Americans like newcomers Ventura Alvarado and William Yarbrough entering the fold, Gonzalez believes more Mexican-Americans are beginning to accept the duality that comes with feeling a part of both nations.

“Just like myself and Ventura and Joe Corona, we’re all Mexican-Americans who have parents from Mexico, but we were born here in the U.S,” Gonzalez said Monday. “We now play for the U.S. national team and the more generations that are born here, they’ll start rooting for the U.S.

“They’ll still have their roots, and I’m sure that when the U.S. plays Mexico it’s tough to pick a team, but when they’re not playing each other, I’m sure they’re rooting for each team.”

As a player who was recently thrust into the rivalry, Alvarado is set to experience his first game against his parent’s homeland. Born in Phoenix, Alvarado currently calls Mexico’s Club America home and was eligible to represent either nation.

In the end, the 22-year-old defender opted to don the red, white and blue, a decision that he knows thrust him right into a rivalry he grew up watching.

“I’m really motivated,”Alvarado said Monday. “I [was talking about it earlier], and I was really emotional. I feel like it’s Club America against Chivas. It’s a Clasico, and that’s how I feel. We’ve got to beat them.”

As a veteran, Gonzalez, whose family will be making the trip down from Dallas, has learned what to expect when the two teams take the field. As a player, there are few more nervy experiences, but the centerback believes that Alvarado and Yarbrough will be more than up to the task.

Part of what makes the experience so nerve-wracking is the atmosphere, one that Gonzalez has come to appreciate. With Mexican fans expected to come out in full force, Gonzalez is prepared for the upcoming game to be a special experience, even if it takes place in hostile conditions.

“I don’t know if I’ve played in a game like this, so it should prove to be interesting. It should be a lot of fun,” Gonzalez said. “I wasn’t at the Gold Cup game in the Rose Bowl when it was all pretty much Mexican fans. Hopefully it’s not like that. Hopefully, the American fans turn out and cheer us on.

“Hopefully, it can be a little bit more of an American flavor,” Gonzalez added, “but we know that, being so close to Mexico, we’re going to have a lot of Mexican fans, which is good. Hopefully it will end up being half and half with a really good fan base and it’s going to be fun no matter what. It’s going to be an intense game and hopefully it’s a really good game.”