Monthly Archives: November 2019

FC Porto

Porto U-19 advances to the next round of UEFA Youth League

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…and the team moves on to the next round. Good job Porto. BTW, I think I now understand how the whole UEFA Youth League tournament actually works. Suffices to say there are no more games until February of next year. It will be hard to defend the U-19 UEFA Youth League title from last year but not impossible…one game at a time.

We are very proud of you Johan, a year ago you were scoring goals at the Winter showcase under the direction of the best FCD coach you had (Chuy) and today you are contributing to the victory in Slovania in the UEFA Youth League…not too shabby.

FC Porto

UEFA Youth League…do or die against Domzale

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Please know that no matter what happens today on the field, it’s an honor to be playing UEFA Youth League as a Mexican-American player. Think of the goals you set out to accomplish about a year ago…there’s a ton of friends, family, etc. pulling for you and Porto FC. We realize it’s a do or die game and the atmosphere could be hostile but this is why we play the game. Also, remember that you have played in Aztec stadium, this is a piece of cake for you.  FC Porto has been playing well and they will prevail in the end given their technical level. Good luck in Slovania. Sending you lots of good vibes and love.

FC Porto

Porto 4 Setubal 0 (Taça de Portugal)

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Arrival to the stadium did not go as planned…that happens when you travel with the Gómez’s sometimes. To be fair, the kids made it to Estádio Do Dragao right at kickoff (5:30 PM) on their own via subway (kuddos to them); however, it was Claudia and myself who were 16 minutes late to kickoff. For most people, a 16 minute delay to a football game isn’t the end of the world, but for my type-A personality, it kinda was.

The back story behind our being tardy to the game isn’t simple but in summary, the rainy evening played a role and a forgotten Mexican flag (see below for explanation) did too. In the end, we witnessed four nice Porto FC goals: Mbemba, Favio Silva, own goal and Marega. In the process, we managed to spend some quality time…a family luxury we haven’t been able to afford in almost 6 months.

As far as the game went, Porto FC was never in danger of losing this one; the 22,000 fans present enjoyed the victory but for us, being close to the ultras and taking pictures while creating more family memories was of utmost importance. We were determined to have fun. The highlight of the day took place when, upon spotting the Gómez’s huge Mexican flag and as previously arranged by Johan, Jesus “Tecatito” Corona, came over, greeted us and gifted us his playing jersey. ¡¡¡Gracias Tecatito!!!. The drenching rain that coincided with our walk back home was perfect. It’s nice to get to be kids (with your own kids) every once in a while.

FC Porto, U18-MNT, U20-MNT

FC Porto first family game watching experience

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The rainy, windy and cooler weather conditions did not alter the enjoyment of our first family outing watching you play with FC Porto. The game lived up to the expectations; a feisty away game against the team currently sitting in 2nd place: Famalicao. The game, the teams and especially you did not disappoint and we were glad we could witness it. FC Porto had the majority of the possession but in the end, the team who scores the goals wins. The end result was not the desired one (1-0 loss) but we move on, we learn, and we improve. Thanks for this opportunity to watch you Johan; the family could not be more proud of the young adult you are becoming….

International Competition, U16-BNT

2019 Nike Friendlies winners

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Congratulations to you Jogo and the entire team (staff included) on winning the 2019 Nike Friendlies. The decision to have an odd-number birth year participate was fortunate for us; the competition, the weather, the timing was all great and well thought out. In the end, it was a good collective team effort to finish in first place and an excellent way for this group to close out the U16-BNT cycle. The future could be bright for a lot of the members of this team (staff included); however, with bigger accomplishments comes bigger responsibilities. Are you all ready for them? Good luck!

International Competition, U16-BNT, U20-MNT

#theGomezway

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We are happy to see members of the family footballing away with their respective teams. While Jogo scored again (called back due to offside) against the US U17 MNT in Florida (3rd consecutive game scoring), Johan had a good assist on the Porto scrimmage (due to FIFA international break) as well. To top the day off, the third Jogo III had a hat trick. Goals are a team effort and sometimes circumstantial but they are not abundant; celebrate them while you can. In the end, we are happy that you guys are enjoying “the beautiful game” as it’s meant to be played…..btw, one less day to reunite the family.

Goal called back
Family, International Competition, U16-BNT

Nike Friendlies: First international goal

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Well, you did it Jogo. We were worried about your health going into the game and what do you end up doing? You scored a banger on your aunt’s birthday against top international competition (Netherlands). We are sure she was looking down and cheering you on. What a way to honor her! #theGomezway

Jogo with aunt Lorena. Life is too short
Psalm 147:3. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

It was an indescribable experience for all of us as well. To top it off, the team came back in a miraculous way from a two goal differential in the last few minutes to earn a tie that tasted like a victory. Great experience. We learn, we work, and we progress but most importantly, we remain humble and thankful for the support.

International Competition, U16-BNT

Nike Friendlies

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We have mixed feelings about your participation tomorrow. While we know the game is a great opportunity for you to showcase your talents, we worry that today’s injury (but most importantly the challenges this past week) may hinder your performance. We trust the Lord and your judgement that you will know when your body is unable to perform. However, having been in your shoes before, the heat of the moment can offset any pain that you may be experiencing. Please know that we are so proud of you and that no matter how the game goes, we will be back home supporting you and figuring out what the next logical steps will be. Love you son. Your family.