Omar Gonzalez is off to the dark side, as far as American and Mexican soccer is concerned.
Gonzalez joined CF Pachuca on Tuesday, following his transfer to the Liga MX (Mexican first division) club from Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Galaxy. Pachuca unveiled Gonzalez in a relevant and topical way, dressing the American defender as Darth Vader before introducing him to the media.
Gonzalez, 27, is one of the top center backs U.S. soccer has produced in recent years. The Galaxy drafted Gonzalez out of the University of Maryland in 2009, and he helped them win three MLS cups in his seven seasons as a professional.
Gonzalez also has played 30 times for the U.S. national team. He started Team USA’s Round of 16 loss to Belgium but has since fallen down head coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s pecking order.
Pachuca reportedly capitalized on Gonzalez’s uncertain contractual situation to secure his services. His new fans south of the U.S./Mexico border are banking on him to be as forceful a presence on their team as his costume suggests.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@si_soccer
