U.S. Defender Omar Gonzalez Tears ACL in First German Training Session

Gonzalez is a younger version of Onyewu. He’s 6’5” and 220lb, physical and strong in the air. Though, there are concerns about his quickness against top-caliber speed. He won a national title with Maryland in 2008, was MLS rookie of the year in 2009 and has been named to the MLS Best XI in 2010 and 2011. He’s had reported interest from Club America in Mexico and some EPL clubs, though he would have to become an established international to get a work permit.

Given the paucity of U.S. central defensive options, many have posed him as a solution for 2014, ideally paired with a quicker, more technically adept defender such as his Galaxy and Terp teammate, A.J. DeLaGarza. Gonzalez played for the U.S. at youth level, and was capped for friendlies under Bradley. He has yet to get much play under Klinsmann.

The summer friendlies would have been an opportunity for him to (a) work his way into the USMNT squad and (b) be locked down as a U.S. player. He’s a Mexican dual-citizen and has been open to crossing over if given the opportunity.

Previously: Sea Change For Brazil, Omar Gonzalez’ Debut

Previously: What Will The USMNT Lineup Look Like Under Klinsmann?

[Photo via Getty]