Luchi Gonzalez (born July 14, 1980 in Hialeah, Florida) is a former American soccer forward.

[edit] Playing Career

Gonzalez played four years of college soccer at Southern Methodist University, emerging in 2001, his senior season, to win the Hermann Trophy as college soccer's best player.

Upon graduating, Gonzalez was drafted 6th overall in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes. Gonzalez failed to make a mark with the Earthquakes, however, playing only 47 minutes in his rookie season, and in the offseason, was acquired by the Columbus Crew. Gonzalez failed to make the Crew's roster, and left the United States for Sweden, where he signed with second division club Bodens BK. Gonzalez scored 8 goals and had 4 assists on his first season in Europe; along with Leighton O`Brien, Luchi was one of the most respected players in the squad.

He left Boden in late October 2003 and got back to USA. Gonzalez found a job with the major Peruvian Sporting Cristal, where he was acquired to be a backup striker. Although he has not played a prominent role with the club, Gonzalez has appeared in the prestigious Copa Libertadores tournament. He came back to MLS in 2005, signing with Colorado. Following the 2006 season, Gonzalez was waived by the Rapids, and signed for Miami FC in 2007. He was the Boys Soccer coach at Felix Varela High School. He won the state championship with Varela in 2008.

On March 17, 2009 Gonzalez officially announced his retirement from professional soccer in order to pursue a career in teaching Algebra at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Florida and also coach the boys varsity soccer team.^[1] Gonzalez is now also a coach for the Coral Gables Toros, taking the place of former coach, Greg Sheen.

[edit] References