Ex-youth player for US called up by Mexico for exhibition

By AP
Published

MEXICO CITY (AP) Midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez has been called up for the first time to play for the Mexican national team in an exhibition against Bosnia & Herzegovina leading to the 2018 World Cup.

Gonzalez was born in Santa Rosa, California, and played for U.S. youth teams. He asked FIFA for a chance to switch sides and play for Mexico.

The Mexican federation said Thursday it received confirmation from FIFA. Mexico faces Bosnia & Herzegovina on Wednesday in San Antonio.

The 18-year-old Gonzalez plays for Monterrey in Mexico and last season was chosen as one of the league's best players.

Gonzalez played in the U.S. with the U-14, U-17 and U-20 teams but was not chosen for last year's under-20 World Cup in South Korea. He was not called by the senior team for World Cup qualifiers.