Santa Rosa-born soccer player Jonathan Gonzalez returns to the Bay Area with the Earthquakes

Jonathan Gonzalez originally wasn’t able to try out for the Montgomery High School boys’ soccer team.

Back in the fall of 2013, when he was a freshman, Gonzalez told head coach John Schwann that he really wanted to play for the Vikings, but he would have to miss tryouts.

the reason? Something unexpected for a teenager who was not yet suited up to play high school football.

“It was funny – he told me he wanted to try out for the team, but couldn’t because he was in an American training camp,” Schwan recalls. “He was always destined for bigger and better things.”

Gonzalez played for the Vikings for about 75% of the fall season, but his coach was right, there were more opportunities.

AFP Photos/Eduardo Verdugo

Santa Rosa native Jonathan Gonzalez, left, played for several top teams in Mexico before signing with the Earthquakes this season. (Eduardo Verdugo – Associated Press)

A stint training with the U.S. National Soccer Team launched Gonzalez on a professional path that has taken him to the top leagues in Mexico and the United States — most recently earning a deal with the San Jose Earthquakes, returning to the Bay Area to join the region’s Major League Soccer.

A midfielder, Gonzalez also played for popular local youth club Atlético Santa Rosa during his time in Santa Rosa. While with the Vikings that first year, he helped Montgomery go 18-3-2 overall, and the team won the North Bay League title at 12-1-1. They finished second in the North Coast Division I tournament, falling 3-2 to Tamalpais.

But Gonzalez left Monti to pursue his dream of playing professional football. While he played in the American system for most of his youth, he had to make an important decision regarding international play – compete for the United States or Mexico.

His parents are from Mexico and he holds dual citizenship. He ultimately chose Mexico, where he began his professional career with La Liga outfit Monterrey in 2017.

For several seasons, the club loaned him out to gain experience with other teams in Mexico, including Necaxa and Queretaro, and he also spent one season getting his first taste of MLS in the United States with Minnesota United.

After spending time with Juarez last season, Gonzalez returned home to Northern California after signing with the Earthquakes last month.

“It’s great, it’s my first time playing professionally so close to home,” Gonzalez told The Press Democrat. “My family loves it, and I’m really happy because I get to see my family and friends more.”

“Just being here, you know, growing up and going to Earthquakes games when I was younger…it’s pretty cool and I’m really lucky to be here.”

Gonzalez, who turns 27 in April, was a free agent earlier this year after starting 15 games over two seasons with Juarez. Then came the earthquakes shortly before the start of the Major League Soccer season in February.

Gonzalez made his first appearance of the season in the Feb. 21 season-opening win over Kansas City, a seven-minute cameo as a substitute.

It was the beginning of the earthquakes of the season. The team is undefeated at 3-0 with wins over Kansas City, Atlanta United, and Philadelphia Union.

They play at home against Seattle Sounders at 4pm on Sunday.

Mexico players, including leader Gonzalez, celebrate Hugo Ayala’s goal during the second half of a 2018 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Antonio. (Darren Abate – Associated Press)

On the international scene, González made three appearances for Mexico’s senior national team. He is still based in San Jose, but his career has made him well-versed in the differences between playing in the United States and Mexico.

“I would say here in Major League Soccer it’s a little more physical,” Gonzalez said. “There are stronger, faster players, whereas in Liga MX they take their time, it’s paused a bit and they don’t have to rush for goal. I’ve gotten used to that, but I still like both styles of play.”

And while the Santa Rosa-raised kid is happy in his current situation, he admits he shares a dream that many professional soccer players have when it comes to international play.

“I really like how close I am to my family and the direction the club is going in with a lot of young players,” he said. “Obviously it’s every footballer’s dream to play in Europe, and I think that dream can still come true, but I’m very happy here.”

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