Once again Herculez Gomez came on as a sub last weekend and once again he scored. It was his 4th goal in 4 straight appearances for Estudiantes Tecos, which takes him to a total of 6 goals in 10 appearances. He’s currently UAG’s leading goal scorer and ranked 7th in the Primera’s scoring chart. As noted by Ives Galarcep, alongside Jozy Altidore he’s probably one of the most consistently scoring Yanks abroad. And yet, he keeps getting snubbed by USMNT coach Jürgen Klinsmann. It’s therefore no surprise that articles have started to pop up advocating for his call-up, or at least questioning Klinsmann’s present exclusion (e.g., Brian Strauss). I wholeheartedly agree with Allen Ramsey’s (Goal.com) description of the situation as “mind boggling”: Jürgen has given a chance to most of the USMNTer’s currently playing in the Mexican Primera (Torres, Beasley, Castillo, Fiscal) with the notable exception being Gomez, whose club statistics lead me to believe that he’s the most likely candidate of the batch to score, and in case you haven’t notice, we currently aren’t scoring much (Ramsey also does an excellent job in responding to possible counters to a call-up–e.g., his age, fitness, style of play, etc.). Gomez doesn’t have to start to get a result; he’s THE embodiment of a super sub. Los Tecos’ last match of the season is on Nov. 5 against Querétaro. That would assumedly give him enough time to take part in the November camp and upcoming friendlies against France (Nov. 11) and Slovenia (Nov. 15). Plus, usual Klinsmann call-up’s Landon Donovan and Teal Bunbury will likely be busy with MLS playoffs. It’s time to give the Herc another call-up. Any thoughts? Originally posted on Unique Styles Away
people are suggesting he get's called up: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1837056 https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1833737
I wouldn't say Gomez has been getting snubbed. Only recently he has really put his name out there again so Jurgen will probably call him up over Buddle this time around.
Gomez has always been weirdly underrated, imo. As though despite his having played at the World Cup last year, a good portion of the fanbase forgets he's part of our pool. There are some arguments about calling him up, but none of them make sense in the context of our current form. Klinsmann has called up plenty of older players, which seems to be the main argument against making him a part of the team; and the coach is certainly not going for a "Euro-based players preferred" approach.
I haven't seen enough of Herc in recent form to know for sure, but he seems like he's become quite a goal poacher... makes good runs in the box and often in the right place at the right time... If that is the case, what is not to like? We could use a player like that - especially as a supersub at least... If Buddle is getting calls at age 30 as a sub striker, no reason Herc shouldn't get some more calls at 29 as well to see what he can do at the international level. The trials he got under Bob were limited and I'd certainly like to see more to get a better gauge.
I'd bring him in, simply because I think we could use a poacher, and by his recent stats Herc is in form. The thing is, Herc is streaky. Because he's scoring now doesn't mean he'll be scoring next summer, or vice versa. Nevertheless, I wouldn't mind seeing him in Klinsi's set-up. Particularly as a late-game sub when we need a goal.
plagued with seasons of improper use. Success early with LA as a striker. Failed at Colorado and SKC as a winger. And success in Mexico as a striker. The reason people hadnt rated him highly was the stints of failure as a winger. When used properly he's a talented poacher. He understands where he should be and he can finish. Thought he was prime to take the 2nd spot instead of Findley in 2010, or perhaps off the bench for Jozy or buddle in the 2nd half.
I thought anybody was primed to take Findley's spot. 0 goals in 11 appearances is apparently a good strike record in Bob's eyes.
In all honesty, i was surprise Findley was invited to the pre-camp. Thought perhaps bob just wants some scrimmage depth. Certainly didnt think he'd be included. Boy was i wrong.
All it took was one really nice chip/lob pass to set up the goal in the Turkey friendly and the starting job was his. I know Findley looked good that day but if he doesn't make that play, I'm pretty sure Buddle or Gomez get the nod instead.
Folks, we've already got bct81's really solid Gomez thread here. I'm going to put the kibosh on this one. We don't usually close threads in US Men, but, then again, we don't usually have spam in US Men.