FRISCO - Jesse Gonzalez is now bleeding red, white and blue.
U.S. Soccer announced on Thursday that the Homegrown goalkeeper has received his one-time change of association approval to represent the U.S. internationally, switching his affiliation away from the Mexico National Team.
“You know, exciting news for me,” Gonzalez said. “I think the decision was made between me and my family and the coaching staff and I think they did a great job of helping me out and guiding me the right way.”
Gonzalez, who held dual-eligibility, led the Mexico U-20s to the CONCACAF Championship in 2015 and was a final cut to the U-23 roster ahead of the 2016 Olympics, but in the year-plus since has not received a call from the federation he once called home at either the Senior or Youth levels. New USMNT head coach Bruce Arena, however, did show interest, adding Gonzalez to his 40-man preliminary roster for the upcoming Gold Cup.
“I’m grateful to both of the countries, I think they've given me the opportunity and I think its something I had to respect from both national teams,” he said. “I think it hasn't been easy for me, honestly, I think its a difficult choice.
"Soccer is about moments and as of right now, I think its great. I'm excited, hopefully I get a call up soon.”
Until then, though, the 22-year-old is focused on Frisco.
"I would be excited and honored,” Gonzalez said of the potential call-up opportunity.” But as of right now I'm focused right here in Dallas and if the call up comes out, I'm willing to take it.”
