Jonathan González originally couldn’t try out for the boys soccer team at Montgomery High School.
Back in the fall of 2013, as an incoming freshman, González told head coach Jon Schwan that he really wanted to play for the Vikings, but he would have to miss the tryouts.
The reason? Something not expected for a teenager who hadn’t yet suited up for high school soccer.
“It was funny — he told me that he wanted to try out for the team, but he couldn’t because he was in U.S. training camp,” Schwan recalled. “He was always destined for bigger and better things.”
González played for the Vikings for about 75% of that fall season, but his coach was right — bigger opportunities were calling.
AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo
Santa Rosa native Jonathan González, left, played for several top teams in Mexico before signing with the Earthquakes this season. (Eduardo Verdugo – ASSOCIATED PRESS)
His time training with the national U.S. soccer system launched González on a professional path that took him to top leagues in Mexico and the United States — and most recently landed him a deal with the San Jose Earthquakes, returning to the Bay Area to join the region’s Major League Soccer franchise.
A midfielder, González also played for renowned local youth club Atlético Santa Rosa during his time in Santa Rosa. While with the Vikings that freshman year, he helped Montgomery go 18-3-2 overall, and the team won the North Bay League title with a 12-1-1 mark. They finished as runners-up in the North Coast Section Division 1 championships, falling 3-2 to Tamalpais.
But González left the Monty squad to pursue his dream of playing professional soccer. And while he played in the U.S. system for most of his youth, he had an important decision to make 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 started his pro club career with top La Liga team Monterrey in 2017.
For several seasons, the club loaned him out to gain experience with other teams in Mexico, included Necaxa and Querétaro, and he also spent one season getting his first taste of the MLS back in the U.S. with Minnesota United.
After time with Juárez last season, González is back home in Northern California after signing with the Earthquakes last month.
“It’s great — it’s the first time I’m playing professionally close to home,” González told The Press Democrat. “My family loves it, and I’m really happy as well because I get to see family and friends more often.”
“Just being down here, you know, growing up and going to the Earthquakes games when I was younger … it’s super awesome and I’m really blessed to be here.”
González, who turns 27 in April, was a free agent earlier this year after starting 15 games over two seasons for Juárez. Then the Earthquakes came calling shortly before the MLS season began in February.
González 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’s been quite the start for the Earthquakes this season. The team is undefeated at 3-0 with shutout wins over Kansas City, Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union.
They play at home against the Seattle Sounders at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Mexico players including González, top, celebrate a goal by Hugo Ayala during the second half of a 2018 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Antonio. (Darren Abate – ASSOCIATED PRESS)
On the international stage, González has made three appearances for the senior Mexico national team. He’s still getting settled in down in San Jose, but his career had made him well versed in the differences between playing in the U.S. and in Mexico.
“I would say that here in the MLS it’s a little bit more physical,” González said. “There are stronger, faster guys, whereas in Liga MX they take their time, it’s a little more paused and they don’t have to rush to the goal. I’m getting used to it, but I still like both playing styles.”
And while the kid who grew up in Santa Rosa is more than happy in his current situation, he admits to sharing a dream many pro soccer players have when it comes to international play.
“I’m really liking how I’m being close to family and the direction the club is going with a lot of young players,” he said. “Obviously every soccer player’s dream is to play in Europe, and I believe that dream can still come to pass, but I’m incredibly happy here.”