Christian Gomez

MLS Experience

2008: Gomez was traded from D.C. to the Colorado Rapids on 2/8 in exchange for a Designated Player roster spot and first round pick in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. In Colorado, he began the season as a consistent starter, but by the end of the campaign – with a new head coach at the helm – found himself out of favor and on the bench. All told, he played in 20 games (17 starts), tallying three goals and six assists for the Rapids.

2007: After an uncharacteristic slow start to the season, Christian Gomez showed that he is one of the most talented and dangerous players in MLS, as he notched 10 goals – second most on the team – and nine assists – most on the team. He started in each of the 27 games he saw time in, while playing the second most minutes on the team (2,272). He earned his third consecutive All-Star on his way to tallying the most game-winning assists (5) in MLS. From 9/1 to 9/29, he collected assists in five straight games - tied for the longest stretch in MLS. Gomez also scored three goals in international competitions including a two-goal performance on 2/21/07 to open the season against CD Olimpia in the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup.

2006: Gomez continued to flourish in his second full season with United, putting together an MVP year by leading the team in both goals (14) and assists (11) – both MLS career highs. An MLS All-Star in 2006, Gomez appeared in 30 games (28 starts) for the Black-and-Red. In games in which Gomez scored, D.C. United was 6-3-3, while the team was 7-1-3 in games in which he notched an assist. His three game-winning goals were second only to Jaime Moreno, and no United player had more game-winning assists (four). His left-footed effort against Los Angeles on 6/11 earned him his first career Goal of the Week award. The Argentine was also named Player of the Week twice in 2006 – for his two-goal performance in Week 23 against Chivas USA and again in Week 26, as he hit for a goal and two assists against the New York Red Bulls. Gomez was rewarded for his sublime season in 2006 with the Honda MLS Most Valuable Player award and his second straight Best XI nod.

2005: After providing an offensive spark down the stretch in 2004 and helping D.C. United to its fourth MLS Cup Championship, Gomez put together an impressive first full season with the Black-and-Red. The Argentine midfielder missed only one game, starting 30 of the 31 games he saw time in. He notched 11 goals and dished out nine assists, while being named to the MLS All-Star team. Gomez also had three multi-goal games during the season, tied for most in MLS. All three multi-goal games led United to a win – against KC on 5/21 (3-2), Chicago on 6/15 (4-3) and San Jose on 7/9 (3-0) – came at home and followed games in which United was shut out. For his efforts, Gomez was named to the MLS Best XI.

2004: Gomez was signed by D.C. United on 8/14, making his first appearance against the Columbus Crew on 8/21. The Argentine midfielder quickly found his footing, creating many dangerous chances as an attacking midfielder. He scored four goals during the season, two of which were nominated for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week. His two-goal performance against the MetroStars in the final game of the regular season propelled the Argentine to his first nod as Player of the Week.

Other Professional Experience

2003: During his second stint with Nueva Chicago (Argentina), Gomez helped the club earn promotion to the First Division, scoring 14 goals in 63 appearances. He then rejoined Independiente (Argentina) for a short stretch, scoring a single goal in 10 appearances before moving to Arsenal de Sarandi (Argentina). While at Arsenal, he made 30 appearances, totaling six goals for the Argentine Gunners.

1997-02: In 1997, Gomez moved to First Division power Independiente de Avellaneda. From 1997 to 1999, he struck for 12 goals in 80 appearances, helping Independiente to success in the Supercopa and Copa Mercosur tournaments. He transferred to Argentinos Juniors to finish the 1999-2000 season before rejoining Nueva Chicago.

1991-96: Gomez began his career with Nueva Chicago, of the Argentine Second Division. In six years with Nueva Chicago, he made 155 appearances and tallied 46 goals.

Honors

MLS Cup champion: 2004 | Supporters’ Shield winner: 2006, 2007 | MLS All-Star: 2005, 2006, 2007 | MLS Best XI: 2005, 2006, 2007 | Honda MLS Most Valuable Player: 2006

Acquired

Re-acquired from the Colorado Rapids, along with goalkeeper Mike Graczyk, a international roster spot and salary considerations, in exchange for Ivan Guerrero, a Designated Player roster spot and a second round 2010 SuperDraft pick on 2/9/09.