Omar Gonzalez is making a return to Major League Soccer.
Toronto FC announced on Monday they’ve signed Gonzalez using the No. 1 spot in MLS’ Allocation order. Gonzalez will officially join the roster on July 9th when the transfer window re-opens.
The 30-year-old joins from Liga MX side Atlas, where he made 36 appearances and scored two goals in one season. A former No. 3 overall selection in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, Gonzalez amassed 220 combined appearances with the L.A. Galaxy, winning three MLS Cups and two Supporting Shields.
“Omar has won numerous championships and has played on the biggest stage in world football. He is an experienced defender with over 200 appearances in MLS, including 25 playoff matches where he won five trophies in seven years,” Toronto FC General Manager Ali Curtis said. “His experience as a player but equally as important, who he is as a person will be a welcomed addition to our group here in Toronto.”
A winner of 49 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team, Gonzalez won two Concacaf Gold Cups in 2013 and 2017. He’s also played domestically with Mexican outfit Pachuca.
Gonzalez is currently with Gregg Berhalter’s squad for a pair of June friendlies against Jamaica and Venezuela on June 5th and 9th respectively.
Of the former USMNT players potentially available to bring to MLS with the number 1 Allocation spot Omar would be down the pecking order in my book.
Geoff Cameron, Fabian Johnson, Aaron Johannson, Danny Williams, Joe Gyau, Hyndman, Eric Lichaj, & Tim Ream are all name’s I wouldn’t be surprised are targeted for summer transfers/loans. I would take any of these over Omar.
When Omar is bad he is really bad. His decision making is suspect and his footwork usually looks like a baby deer learning to walk. He often got away with it when he was younger because of his athleticism. He is older and the league is a lot more athletic now than it was when he left. With that criticism, I don’t think it’s a bad signing provided TFC didn’t spend too much to get him.
Replacing thrash defense with a new thrash signing. He better not make idiotic plays and decisions in the Gold Cup.
Nice signing for them. Toronto’s scoring is good. Toronto’s D is 7th in the East
What happened to Toronto? I hope they are not using up a DP spot or TAM allocation.
I predict a knee injury on that turf before the end of this season……
They have a grass surface with 95% natural grass (and strengthened by artificial fibers), the same system used by Barca and Chelsea so…
Hey TheFrenchOne, good call, didnt know they changed the field surface this year.
Awesome move. That stadium deserves the best.
My prediction stands on the old giraffe knee on hybrid grass. So…. 🙂