FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez took the airwaves again for "The Luchi Gonzalez Show", presented by Toyota. The coach kicked things off by talking about his interest in the NFL Draft.
"I'm not going to watch the whole thing ... but I certainly am curious about how they are going to run this," the coach said. "We did something similar with our own MLS Draft, so I'll take some notes and be tuned in for sure."
As a former play, Gonzalez knows the emotions that surround a draft. When he was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in 2002, his dreams became a reality.
"I had to play college soccer to be a professional, although times have changed," Gonzalez said. "I was just honored. I had a good college career, this was me starting my pro career and it didn't matter who selected me. I just wanted to play ... San Jose gave me that opportunity. It was a memorable day and it helped me become the man I am today as a coach."
Gonzalez's memory was then put to the test. Which players were selected ahead of him? And most importantly, which team had the number one choice?
"I know Dallas had the top pick," Gonzalez said. "I thought they had picked what they needed."
After the Burn selected Chris Gbandi, Taylor Twellman went to the New England Revolution, Brad Davis went to the MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls), D.C. United chose Justin Mapp and the Chicago Fire took Kelly Gray.
"A lot of those guys had some great careers," Gonzalez said. "I have to be honored that my name is mentioned anywhere near those guys."
It was a happy trip down memory lane for the coach, who closed out the show with a piece of inspiration for those affected by COVID-19.
"This is a great moment to give and to share with others. I'm not saying donate a bunch of things or give money, I'm talking about time," he said. "That keeps us alive, especially in this challenging moment."
