The Journey Of Herculez Gomez

Here's an article I wrote for USLsoccer.com today:


Luke Cyphers writes in the latest edition of ESPN The Magazine that the word “form” is one of the most-used expressions in the game, tossed around by soccer pundits across the globe. Yet, it is hard to measure such a vague term.

If someone is in “good form,” it usually means that a player produces consistent good showings for his team. Herculez Gomez, a former member of the United Soccer Leagues Second Division, embodies this definition for the United States national team.

“Even though Herculez does not have much international experience, his confidence could make a big difference,” said former U.S. national team defender and current ABC/ESPN soccer analyst Alexi Lalas back in May.

Gomez, a 28-year-old forward, has scored in each of his past two appearances with the national team, and tied for the goal-scoring lead in the Mexican Primera Division with 10 goals this past season. The Mexican American, who will suit up for his new club, Pachuca, after the World Cup, had a long journey to make it where he is today.

After starting his career with Mexican side Cruz Azul in 2001, Gomez left due to lack of playing time. Considering his options, the striker latched on with the San Diego Gauchos of USL-2. In his short stint with the team in 2002, Gomez compiled 17 goals and two assists in only 18 games, catching the eye of Major League Soccer scouts.

From there, Gomez endured his share of transition. Although he led the Los Angeles Galaxy to 2005 MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup victories, he also had forgettable spells with the Kansas City Wizards and Colorado Rapids shortly after. Gomez also suffered a setback when he tore his ACL in 2007.

All of this adversity could have easily halted the player’s career, but the former USL-2 standout refused to lose sight of his dreams. The injury keeping forward Charlie Davies out of the World Cup also helped to open the door for Gomez.

After seemingly being off the U.S. national team radar, Gomez was invited to training camp for the provisional 30-man roster by manager Bob Bradley in May. His standout season for Puebla in Mexico had not gone unnoticed.

As if he wanted to prove a point, Gomez scored in an international friendly against the Czech Republic on May 25, just 20 minutes after entering the match. When the dust settled following roster cuts the next day, Gomez had booked a ticket to South Africa.

In another friendly against Australia on June 5, Gomez again tallied a goal as a substitute, adding to the argument that the forward should be included in the starting lineup. Even if he does not take the field as a starter, Gomez will likely be utilized in some way as an important cog in the American attack.

“I hope that those who are called upon can perform on the biggest stage,” said Lalas. “We haven’t seen a lot of players step up except for the starters. Seeing just how players like Gomez mesh within the team will be interesting to watch.”