LA's Gonzalez excited for homecoming
Galaxy defender making first professional start where he grew up
Under most circumstances, his family would be in attendance, just as it was last December, when Gonzalez and his University of Maryland teammates won a national championship. But not this time.
Gonzalez's family ironically will be in southern California attending the graduation of his sister, Luisanna, who is getting her degree in kinesiology from nearby Whittier College. Gonzalez will have friends at the game Saturday -- he said he's asked for only six tickets -- but any family reunion will have to wait.
"I'll see them whenever I get back on Sunday," he said with a grin.
Hopefully, he said, he'll have a lot to talk about after the Western Conference rivals meet for the first time this season. The Galaxy (1-1-7) are on a seven-game unbeaten streak while FC Dallas (1-6-2) ended a three-game losing streak last weekend at home with a 1-1 tie against Seattle.
Gonzalez grew up about 45 minutes south of Pizza Hut Park in Oak Cliff, Texas and is no stranger to the facility, having played college and youth soccer games there. He even watched the Galaxy play FC Dallas there on occasion.
"Those games were a lot of fun because (David) Beckham was coming," he recalled.
Asked who he cheered for, he smiled and said, "I was neutral."
There is no questioning his allegiance now, and there also is no questioning the impact he has had on the Galaxy defense, which appears much improved from a year ago when it allowed an MLS-high 62 goals. The Galaxy have permitted just 11 goals this season, thanks in part to the presence of the 6-foot-5, 210-pound Gonzalez in central defense.
Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said he likes what he has seen out of Gonzalez, who was selected in the first round (third overall) in this year's draft.
"He's made steady improvement," Arena said. "I think he's playing in a difficult position for a young player. The responsibility in central defense is an awesome responsibility and he's done well. He's gotten better every game."
Gonzalez said he has benefitted from the backline presence of veteran Gregg Berhalter, a former veteran of the U.S. national team who came over from Germany several weeks ago.
"He's helped me a lot because he's so demanding," Gonzalez said. "He doesn't allow me to be lazy. He keeps me focused. We've been watching tons of video, and I've just been watching myself grow every game.
"I think I'm improving, I'm very happy with how things are going and I can't wait to get a lot better."
Gonzalez said he hasn't heard from many of his friends this week, perhaps because he recently got his own cell phone plan and no longer is on the plan of his mother, Maria -- "I want to start paying my own bills," he said with a laugh -- but he admitted he has had the game circled on his calendar for some time.
"It will be great to see everybody," he said. "Everyone I knew growing up. It will be a little nerve-wracking, but once you get on the field you don't worry about it.
"Hopefully I can make them proud."
Larry Morgan is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
