FRISCO, Texas — When FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez made his one-time federation switch to represent the United States in 2017, the race to find Tim Howard's long-term successor was just getting underway.
A Concacaf U-20 Championship winner with Mexico, Gonzalez was thought of as one of MLS' best shot-stoppers and brought into Bruce Arena's Gold Cup roster midway through the 2017 tournament. Nearly two years later, the 23-year-old has yet to win his first cap and has watched others stake their claim.
While Gonzalez developed a reputation for a goalkeeper’s top task, his decision making and distribution were often cited as weak points. With the introduction of a more possession-based style by new head coach Luchi Gonzalez, the younger Gonzalez and his fellow goalkeepers often participate in rondos and other outfield drills. Even in goalkeeping drills, they're now routinely challenged in situations that require quick feet and an even quicker mind.
The North Carolina native has thrived, with 76.7 percent of his passes finding their target in comparison to 60.3 percent prior to 2019.
"I see Jesse growing in terms of his tactical understanding, in terms of his technique, confidence, and his reading of the game," FC Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez told MLSSoccer.com. "We always knew he was a good shot blocker. That's natural for him, and he's complimenting that with game intelligence and game readiness. That's a product of his mentality in training and the staff working with him."
Jesse Gonzalez also credits work in practice alongside long-time goalkeeper coach Drew Keeshan for why he already has two shutouts and a 0.88 goals against average.
"I think it's all the hard work during training day in and day out," he said. "We've just been working, not only the goalkeepers, in general the whole team putting in the work in training and it shows through the games."
Gonzalez's national team stock rose as he was called up to replace an injured Zack Steffen in March, while his form at the club level has only improved under Luchi. Despite this, Gonzalez insists that there has been no contact from US national team coach Gregg Berhalter's staff ahead of this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup.
Luchi is a staunch advocate for his starting goalkeeper being in Berhalter's squad.
"I think it's warranted," Luchi of a potential call-up. "Jesse's progressed very well since preseason. He's shown a high ceiling, maybe higher than others, but that's the beauty of development."
