Victoria Highlanders FC News Release -- www.victoriahighlandersfc.com
Monday, April 21, 2014
VICTORIA, B.C. – Victoria Highlanders FC are excited to announce the signing of 27-year-old midfielder Manny Gomez. The 5-foot-9 product of Argentina grew up playing soccer in Victoria before leaving the country to play internationally at the age of 15.
Gomez’s experience includes being a member of the 2013 Canadian National Team roster. Gomez has also been a member of Canada’s U-15, U-17 and U-20 squads. His playing career received a boost after he was invited to Argentine’s Club Atlético River Plate, playing in their youth academy from 2002-05. From 2008-2011, he received significant playing time in Spain as a member of C.D. Binefar.
“The decision to come back was to give something back to soccer in Victoria as well as my family,” said Gomez. “For the team, I just want to pitch in what I know on and off the field so we can achieve something big. I’m obsessed with winning titles and important things.”
Highlanders FC general manager Mark de Frias and Gomez connected through Gomez’s father, who lives in Victoria. After several discussions, Gomez prepared to relocate to Victoria to begin a new chapter in his playing career.
“It was clear Manny wanted to return to Victoria and get his foot in the door in North American soccer after playing in South America for so long,” said de Frias. “Players like Manny give our organization a unique opportunity to utilize veteran players that have real experience at a high level around the world and provide us with something we couldn’t get otherwise. Not only in terms of on-field play and ability, but to help support our young players on our team that we want to develop and help move on to the next level.”
Highlanders head coach Steve Simonson looks forward to what Gomez can bring to the table, and also hopes it will benefit his younger players as well.
“Manny has got a great technical ability and skill set, he’s great on the dribble and probably has the ability to unlock defenses on the go. In terms of our younger players, he came out of Victoria as a young player and has gone on to play in different areas, so I think he’ll be able to share experiences about what it’s like to try and play at the top-level.”
Gomez’s addition provides the Highlanders with another member with experience at the international level, joining recent signee Riley O’Neill and captain Tyler Hughes, who have also spent time abroad.
“We’ve always had the goal of using our experienced players to help out with the development of our younger players, they add quality but they also add leadership,” explained Simonson. “We’ve got good ability through the team this season and we’ve got more depth than we’ve had in years past so the pressure will be on us to put some good performances on the park. If we do that, I think we could have a good year.”
Gomez and the Highlanders open their season against the Whitecaps on May 4 at Royal Athletic Park. For more information, please visit www.victoriahighlandersfc.com.