FC Dallas has signed Omar Gonzalez through the 2024 MLS season with an option for 2025, the club announced on Wednesday.
The former US men’s national team center back is a native of Dallas. Gonzalez entered free agency with 17 goals and 12 assists in 276 league matches.
“Omar brings valuable veteran experience to FC Dallas and will be a great addition to our defensive system,” FCD technical director André Zanotta said in a release. “We’re excited that he’s coming home to Dallas where his leadership in the locker room will be a tremendous asset for us.”
Before his homecoming, Omar played for the New England Revolution, LA Galaxy and Toronto FC in MLS. He is a three-time MLS CUp and two-time Supporters’ Shield winner, including the 2011 MLS Defender of the Year and a four-time Best XI honoree, all gotten with LA.
Internationally, Gonzalez has three goals in 52 USMNT matches. He played a vital role at the 2014 FIFA World CUp and is a two-time Concacaf Gold Cup winner.
“I am extremely excited and proud to be joining FC Dallas after leaving the area at the age of 15. When the opportunity presented itself, I jumped at the chance to come back home,” Gonzalez said.
“This is a full-circle moment,” he continued. “When I broke the news to my family in our group chat, I said to them ‘the kid is coming home a man’. It is special to be reunited with them in Dallas. I am thrilled to join the organization and to work together to put a star over the FC Dallas crest.”
At FC Dallas, Omar Gonzalez will join a center-back group headed by Nkosi Tafari and Sebastien Ibeagha in 2023. The Western Conference’s No.7 seed in last year’s Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, they permitted only 37 goals (third-lowest in the league).
Dallas returns to action on Feburary 24 when hosting the San Jose Earthquakes (8:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
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