GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Though striker Herculez Gomez is disappointed not to be included in Jurgen Klinsmann's first US national team squad picked to play Mexico next week, he praised its variety and hopes his chance to impress will come soon.
“[Klinsmann] saying he wants to play an attacking style of soccer, that's very exciting for me," said Gomez outside Estudiantes Tecos' 3 de Marzo stadium on Thursday. "It's refreshing and motivating."
Four players based in Mexico were included in Klinsmann's squad: Edgar Castillo, Michael Orozco Fiscal, José Francisco Torres and DaMarcus Beasley. The selections back up the new coach's suggestion that reaching out to the Latino community is key to the future of the national team.
“It shows Jurgen is willing to look in a lot of different places for that talent," Gomez said. "The guys called in bring the right mix of experience and opportunity."
The Los Angeles-born Gomez also has fond memories of the German legend from when Klinsmann was an unofficial advisor to the LA Galaxy.
“When I was 19 for the Galaxy, he used to come out and help us forwards finish, and those little tidbits and pointers from a guy like that are always beneficial,” Gomez said.
The 29-year-old veteran of the 2010 World Cup would have loved to be involved in the game against Mexico — both his parents were born there — but he's confident that if he continues his good start to the season with Tecos, his chance will arrive.
“Everybody wants to be there,” Gomez said of the national team camp. “It's an exciting moment for US soccer and for me. I feel I've been doing the right things. I know the opportunity is not far ahead. It's not out of reach.”
Gomez was back training in Guadalajara on Thursday morning following his team's sensational 2-1 win in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca against Club América on Wednesday evening, which he obviously was delighted about.
“My dad and I rooted for América growing up, "Gomez said. "It was definitely a lot of fun to get a win in the Azteca."
Tom Marshall can be reached at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com or via Twitter: @mexicoworldcup
