Peace out Christian Gomez

by Martin Shatzer on Feb 1, 2025 10:45 PM EST

Gomez waves goodbye, via www.football-wallpapers.org

For three and a half years, Christian Gomez was all you could ask for in a #10. From 2005-2007, Gomez averaged 11.66 goals and 9.66 assists per season. His MVP award in 2006 was well-deserved after scoring 14 goals, adding 11 assists, and carrying DC United to their first of two straight Supporters' Shields. With 45 career goals with DC, Christian Gomez is United's second all-time leading scorer (just 1 ahead of Raul Diaz Arce, and 86 behind Jaime Moreno).

It's unfortunate for Gomez though that his legend didn't end in 2007. Because those three plus years that included three major trophies were spectacular. His single season in Colorado in 2008 and his return to DC in 2009 saw a significant decline in Christian's skills. Being a defensive liability was never quite that big a deal in the past because Gomez made up for it with speed and vision. Still, his 6 goals for United in 2009 had him as the third most productive player on the team.

Many thought that our original #10 Marco Etcheverry could never be replaced. In reality though, it took just under a year for the team to find its new central attacking midfielder. I'm hoping it takes no longer for us to find our next one. And I'm hoping that whoever it is will be able to live up to the Etcheverry/Gomez tradition.

Please feel free to share your favorite memories of Christian Gomez in the comments.

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He has also been creditted

for turning our season around in 2004 when he came in. We won the MLS Cup that year since he came in and organized things.

by monk81 on Feb 2, 2025 8:38 AM EST reply actions

My favorite Christian Gomez moment of all time.

He traveled up to NJ on his own to watch our game against the Metros. He went into the supporters section to chant and bang a drum with all the fans.

http://mattmathai.smugmug.com/DC-United-League-matches/2005/20051001-Metros/Metros-120/626225529_GHJ7b-XL.jpg

by Matt Mathai on Feb 2, 2025 9:14 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

I think that would have to be my favorite C. Gomez memory as well.

"My face is my mask."

by Jake Shapiro on Feb 2, 2025 12:40 PM EST up reply actions

Strongest memory is unfortunate

My most prevalent memory of Christian came from the home leg of the 2005 playoff series against Chicago.

Christian was fouled in the box, the ref called embellishment, and Christian spit in his (or the player’s??) face and was sent off.

This is a strong memory because it was the first game that I took my parents to and we were sitting right in the front rows of that corner. He was the only player in black in red who actually looked to be trying to win that match, and that was the point where I had to concede defeat.

I will always remember his as a great and passionate player. I still say he was fouled on that play. Then again, I have never watched a replay.

by BrunoReturns on Feb 2, 2025 9:25 AM EST reply actions

this was alwasy unforgiveable to me.

That is one of the most disgusting things you can do on the field. And I will never be able to forget that. I was there too and I remember being embarrassed after he did that.

by monk81 on Feb 2, 2025 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

Seems to me ...

… that Gomez represented the perfect example of fans, media and perhaps even managers seeing the player that was instead of the player that is. I just didn’t see the point in bringing him back from Colorado, trying the old and ill advised tactic of going “back to the future.” Good luck to the man … but DC United can move on now.

by Steve Davis on Feb 2, 2025 11:40 AM EST reply actions

Was last year a success?

No. But he meant a lot to the team, and I’m glad that he was there. For a stretch in the middle of the season, he seemed to carry the team. He scored some important goals in Champion’s League play, and he was the best at taking free kicks on the team. He seemed to wilt over the second half of the season and would become invisible, but I don’t think you’ll find a United fan that questions his heart. And after having to deal with the incredibly talented but disinterested Gallardo, that was a nice change of pace.

I won’t knock the brain trust for letting him go or bringing him back, but I felt they would have found another CAM by now.

Happy trails, Gomito. Thanks for the glory and passion.

by Brendanukkah on Feb 2, 2025 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

It was low risk.

Colorado paid most of his salary so it wasn’t much risk for us to bring him back and see what he could do. I don’t regret it. What he could possibly do on the field, was worth checking out again.

by monk81 on Feb 2, 2025 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

Couldn't have said it better, Steve

That really sums it up. A lot of the opinion amongst United fans seems to be that we should keep him for another year, as if last year didn’t happen.

I was against bringing him back because he was never in particularly good shape, and 35 is a lot older than 33 in soccer when you aren’t a fitness fanatic (a la Preki). It brings me no joy to have been right about it (just as I’m desperate to be wrong about my prediction that Onalfo will not see us back to where we United fans feel we belong), but sometimes facts are cruel.

There was also the fact that, on such a bland team as Colorado’s 2008 squad, Gomez still couldn’t find a role as their one game-breaking player. Obviously their approach was entirely based on hard work, but given their lack of attacking punch, I think everyone expected to see more of Gomez than panned out. At the time, my first instinct was to conclude that the Rapids were just screwing up again, but over time it became obvious that Gomez’s skills no longer outweighed his fitness and defensive concerns. It wasn’t because he was less skilled; it was because he was less able to do the running required in the modern game. That should have been a red flag for DC, but the lure of the past was too strong.

Like Brendanukkah, I love Gomez’s heart and his passion for the DC United shirt. However, on a move like this, you have to think with your head. Fitness-wise, it seemed obvious to me that we’d be betting too much on Gomez being able to conjure up true brilliance every game. See, soccer’s not always about being a genius. Where’s the line where the inconsistent-but-potentially-brilliant becomes more of a liability than an asset? When does having a guy who is regularly good but only rarely outstanding become more appealing than having the guy who’s either “on” or “off”?

by ChestRockwell on Feb 2, 2025 2:38 PM EST up reply actions

Conference Finals in 2004

Others have recalled Cristian’s floating header on the run to the far post for a goal as Reis watched it arc slowly over his head, helplessly, in the 2004 Conference Finals at RFK. Definitely my favorite Gomez memory of his storied United career. I think that was one of the best MLS games I’ve ever seen, as well, even though it ended in PKs.

Maybe the most memorable moment would have to be Cristian getting subbed off at 43 minutes by Soehn late last year when he was our most productive player in a game we had to win. As he was walking over to the sideline and attempting to bypass Soehn, Tom grabbed his arm to try to talk to him and Cristian yanked his arm away in disgust. That was when I finally decided I couldn’t give Soehn the benefit of the doubt (many doubts, actually) anymore.

by JaimeSegundo on Feb 2, 2025 4:41 PM EST reply actions

Best game ever!

I actually think the way that it ended was poetic. A free-flowing, high-scoring game where both teams were playing so well that the result couldn’t be determined in a reasonable amount of time.

The way that the PKs played out was awesome too, especially with Nicky scoring both the final goal for United and earning a save to seal the win. I was right there in the front row by the north goal where all of the action was, and that game was fantastic!

by BrunoReturns on Feb 2, 2025 8:44 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry to burst your bubble

Rimando didn’t take a penalty. Our shooters were Olsen (missed), Quaranta (scored), Adu (scored), Esky (scored), Moreno (missed), and Carroll (scored). Bizarre that Olsen and Moreno missed, while the kids all scored.

I am somewhat alarmed to note that I only had to check around to get the order straight; I knew the takers and the result of their shots. Something is wrong with me (the kind of thing that leads me to be writing this at 4:27am, though that is mostly down to a furiously barking dog).

Reis, however, did take (and convert) a penalty for the Revs.

by ChestRockwell on Feb 3, 2025 4:31 AM EST up reply actions

Scrambled neurons...

Not surprising that I got it wrong… I guess I am just remembering that a keeper took a penalty and refuse to remember anything remotely positive about Reis.

Still the best game ever.

by BrunoReturns on Feb 3, 2025 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

Another Approach

I disagree with D.C. United’s decision to blow off Gomez. I was hoping, at the least, he’d get a shot in the preseason trials. Is Gomez even allowed to train with the team in preseason as a trialist with hopes of impressing and signing a contract? Or has he not even been invited?

He had 6 goals last year, third most productive, and in different games throughout the season he looked like the most productive player on the field (as JaimeSegundo mentioned). He scored the game winning PK against Firpo in the Champions league to advance the team to the next round.

What I’m trying to say is that although he did not look like the same player from 2007, not many players last year did. I think we can all agree that the team’s showing on an individual level was disappointing. Many players had ups and downs throughout the season and I put this on Tom Soehn’s shoulders, not necessarily each player who failed to live up to their expectations. Should we blowoff every player last season that did not play as well as in seasons past—much less a player that has proved himself as a top player for two years and as OK for one? Also, you have to take in consideration that it takes some time for a player to adapt to a new system (Tom Soehn’s) and it definitely seemed like Soehn and Gomez had some difficulties working with each other. This can bring down a player’s confidence and performance.

I’m not sure if he is or isn’t at the start of the camp. But if he isn’t, the least the FO can do is give him (like every other player) a chance to prove that last year, was last year.

by redskinsux on Feb 3, 2025 9:36 AM EST reply actions

Gomez had several things going against him.

1) His production had declined
2) He was 35 and not getting younger
3) He couldn’t go 90 minutes
4) He never really defended (and there’s no room in our midfield for that anymore)
5) He made a LOT of money
6) There’s a new coach in town who is making fresh decisions, not ones based upon past performances.

I’m sad to see him go, but it was about time.

by Matt Mathai on Feb 3, 2025 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

The most important reasons here are 2, 4, and (most of all) 5. Gomez isn’t going to stay here for what he’s worth to us under the cap, which I’d say is around $100-125K tops. We also need to build a sustainable core of players for the next few years. Our offseasons have become quests for 3-6 starters, when a good MLS team should be looking for 1-2 improvements on adequate starters and improved depth instead.

Also, in a 442, Gomez just doesn’t fit in anywhere except as a second forward, where we happen to have Pontius and Moreno.

redskinsux, I think you’re approaching this from the wrong angle. An offer to go on trial for a team Gomez has already played for would be as insulting as being subbed in the 43rd minute. DC knows this, and isn’t wasting his time or the club’s. It’s sad, but it’s also a perfectly reasonable position. It is time for this club to start moving forward rather than looking back at our past glories, and this is the kind of move you have to make in that situation.

by ChestRockwell on Feb 3, 2025 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

Debatable...

Chest, Matias—

Thanks for the response. I do have a rebuttal, however.

Reason #2: By this reasoning, there should not have been any kind of talks of bringing in Steve Ralston.
Reason #4: Agreed, Gomez isn’t much of a defender—but you can’t get everything.
Reason #5: I think Gomez would understand that his earnings from 2009 ($430K) would have to be reduced to stay on the team…who’s to say he wouldn’t have accepted a lower salary?

I agree, a good MLS team should be looking for a couple of improvements, not 5 or 6… But if DCU was to improve by only adding two improvements on adequate starters, as you mentioned Chest, Gomez would still be around. The fact that DCU has been signing new players in the range of 5-6 players for the past few offseasons has effectively cost Gomez’s spot on the team. The Front Office has been very audacious and they’re wounding some players in the process.

I understand that putting Gomez through trials might be insulting but this club has shown nothing but disrespect to him since 2007. And it continues by Kasper’s recent statement, “Is it possible we might circle back? It’s possible, but we told him to explore all his options.” I think saying this is more disrespectful than giving him a shot to earn a roster spot by training with the team.

Kasper is saying we don’t want you unless our new signings fall through and/or the team is plagued with injuries. Basically, he’s our third or fourth option. The team gave Gomez this kind of shafting when he was traded to Colorado. And for what, $50k? It’s petty, really, and it cost them big when they acquired Gallardo instead.

I guess I would’ve like to see Payne & co. be the bigger man, make amends with Gomez and essentially apologize for what they did to him two years ago—and give him one last shot to be part of the team he obviously loves. Instead they are patronizing him, again.
It’s not the tradition I think of when I think, “D.C. United”.

There is a very strong case for letting Gomez go, as mentioned above, and I can very well see that reasoning. However, I feel like the management is shafting Gomez, again, whom happens to be second all-time in goals and someone who has truly devoted himself to this team and has provided us with a sense of awe at times. (Game changing play, Barra drumming, etc).

Gomez will be missed. Let’s just not forget what the FO has done to one of the players I and others have respected very much in his time here.

by redskinsux on Feb 3, 2025 7:17 PM EST up reply actions

Enjoying the back-and-forth

Reason 2: 35 is relative. Ralston is a fit 35 year old. I’ve never heard Revs fans questioning his endurance. For them, he was a 90 minute player as long as he wasn’t subject to leg-breaking tackles or the cruelty of life on a turf field. Gomez, on the other hand, was never particularly fit even at his peak.

Reason 4: In a 442, your attacking midfielder has to defend, or you become too easy to play through. Gomez’s defensive problems weren’t a minor issue in this formation; they were a fundamental problem. Simply put, we either go 442 or go without Gomez. The two are irreconcilable.

Reason 5: While it hasn’t publicly confirmed or denied, I would be utterly flabbergasted if United didn’t tell Gomez what kind of salary he’d have to accept to stay. I would be equally astonished if Gomez was willing to settle for such a large cut when his earnings are very close to dropping even more due to retirement. Gomez justifiably sees himself as worth one figure, while United has another figure that fits his value to the team. The numbers are probably quite far apart.

You’re completely right about Gomez being treated poorly, and it takes some of the sheen off of what is normally thought of as a classy organization. Unfortunately, the trade to Colorado and this cut are both rooted in the go-for-broke 2008 team and the failure it was on all fronts. I personally hope the things I’ve written on this topic convey the joylessness that I have in supporting what is a rational move. It doesn’t make me happy to see a guy that cared so much for this club, and played so brilliantly as well, end his time here on such a sour note. It also bothers me that guys like Gomez don’t fit most modern soccer tactical set-ups. Everyone’s got to run more now, and the blatantly offense-only guys that you tell your grandkids about are becoming a rare breed.

by ChestRockwell on Feb 3, 2025 10:08 PM EST up reply actions

Redskinsux, I understand what you’re saying, and I have to agree that letting Gomez leave for Colorado over a relatively small contract point wasn’t good. The problem is that all pro sports take a very ‘what can you do for me RIGHT NOW’ kind of approach. I think the idea of making up for some past injustice would be inconceivable.

You ask why they wouldn’t accept a lower salary. How do you know he wasn’t offered one and didn’t want to take it? (I’m not saying that happened, but we don’t know that it didn’t.)

Given that they have pretty much said they don’t want him back, at least they made the move pretty early, so that he has a decent chance of catching on with another team if that’s going to happen. That whole ‘circle back’ comment can be disregarded, I believe, as just Kasper not wanting to be blunt.

As I said, I really like Gomez and what he did for my team and for all the fans. One of my favorite soccer memories is of him in the stands at the Swamp. I posted the picture i took that night earlier in the comments section. Even with all that, though, I think it’s time for him to go.

BTW, it’s also going to be terrible when Jaime finishes his career. It’s coming soon, probably next year, so I’m going to enjoy every minute he plays.

by Matt Mathai on Feb 3, 2025 10:09 PM EST reply actions

Center Mid and Gomez

Gomez deserves a grand farewell…as you stated so well. He was great for us for quite a while. But, to show how hard up DCU is for a #10, he is still better for about 60 minutes than any other option we have.
Conclusion:
Chang: Go out and get a top #10 now! And keep Gomez, if he will accept a salary reduction.

by mikelem on Feb 6, 2025 1:23 PM EST reply actions