Jesse Gonzalez is just 20 years old, but he’s playing well beyond his years.
On Saturday, the FC Dallas Academy-product became the third-youngest player in MLS history to record a clean sheet in just his second league start.
“Jesse has shown personality,” head coach Oscar Pareja said about what sets Gonzalez apart. “We knew about his talent and obviously in spite of his age he’s been on stages that are not easy in the [U-20] World Cup and qualifications with the [Mexican] National Team, but this time Jesse has embraced the opportunity well.”
Goalkeeper |
Date |
Age |
|---|---|---|
Bill Hamid |
8/22/2010 vs. PHI |
19 years, 270 days |
Zac MacMath |
9/10/2011 vs. POR |
20 years, 34 days |
<em><strong>Jesse Gonzalez</strong></em> |
<em><strong>8/29/2015 vs. RSL</strong></em> |
<em><strong>20 years, 96 days</strong></em> |
After earning his first MLS start on the road in Vancouver, getting the chance to play, and play well at home was an unforgettable moment in his career.
“It was an amazing feeling,” Gonzalez said. “Having all your family and friends and knowing that you have their support – it was a great game.”
“It’s an honor to have another Academy player do well and show that we have good talent in Dallas,” fellow-Homegrown Victor Ulloa said. “He’s been working hard for a long time. Hard work plays off and he’s a great example of it.”
Gonzalez’s hard work and development into a viable MLS starting keeper is also a credit to the hours spent on the training field with Dallas goalkeeping coach Drew Keeshan.
“Drew is the one pushing me a lot and telling me that the kid needs to play and deserves the opportunity,” Pareja said. “I have to recognize him for his work and I think Jesse is not letting him down. He’s showing that Chris [Seitz] and Dan [Kennedy] and him are in a fight for the position.”
Heading into Columbus on Sunday, the starting job, at least in the short term, is Gonzalez’s to lose.
“It’s been great knowing that I’m starting,” he said. “I’ve been working hard and staying focused this whole week.”
