Is Jesse Gonzalez ready to stake claim as FC Dallas’s number one?
By Marcel Dumas
For Jesse Gonzalez it is not about the talent, he has all the tools necessary to be a top level keeper. It is about continuing to mature as a player.
MLS as a whole is in good hands when it comes to goalkeeping. The talent between the sticks has provided stunning saves and superb performances over the last few seasons. FC Dallas stakes claim to some of that talent in the form of veteran Chris Seitz and the potential of Jesse Gonzalez.
It appeared that Gonzalez had staked claim to the FCD starting keeper spot with his performances to end the 2015 season and in the playoffs. His penalty saves against Seattle helped the club advance to the Western Conference finals. For the then 20 year old, it looked like the future was now.
2016 started as a mixed bag for the young Mexican international. He was solid against the Union in the opener, but was part of a horrendous team performance in Houston. He maintained the starter’s role for a few more weeks before heading to international duty.
The absence of Gonzalez gave Seitz an opportunity against DC United. The veteran shot stopper responded with a shut out on the road. Oscar Pereja decided to stick with the veteran, and Seitz went on to help capture the Open Cup and the Supporter Shield.
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The expectation for this season is that Seitz will continue to be the preferred option. His calm and steady performances have afforded him the opportunity to remain the first choice. This does not mean that Gonzalez will be regulated to spot duty.
Jesse Gonzalez is the keeper of the future for FC Dallas and quite possibly the Mexican National team. At 6’4″ he has the prototypical height for a modern keeper. Along with his length, Gonzalez is very athletic. He is quick to get down on low shots, and his impressive wingspan allows him to reach shots that maybe too far for other keepers. He also possesses good hands that he uses to handle crosses and control rebounds.
Gonzalez has had the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the youth international level. Playing for Mexico, he has been a consistent selection in the net. These games have helped further his understanding of the game, and been key to his development.
For Jesse Gonzalez it is not about the talent, he has all the tools necessary to be a top level keeper. It is about continuing to mature as a player. Distribution, command of the area, footwork and other intricacies of the position still need further refining. Using his time as an understudy to Seitz to learn from the veteran will help him even more.
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The young keeper can make a push to reclaim the top spot for FC Dallas this season. If he does come up short, there will be no need for panic. The 21 year old will get his opportunity to shine, he just needs to make sure he is ready to seize it.