Despite featuring with older teammates and opponents, Gonzalez was able to play his own game, providing the Dynamo with good energy and quality in the center of the field. The midfielder moved very well off the ball and showed great confidence to make plays when in possession. Gonzalez was always very quick and direct, consistently looking to get the ball in the final third with strong runs and intelligent passing, and combined well with his teammates. He was excellent in the play that resulted in his goal, pressing a Rangers defender to win the ball in a dangerous spot, engaging in a give-and-go with Walsh and showing calm in front of the goal to finish.

Gonzalez is the top-ranked prospect in our Class of 2030 State Rankings. He plays for the Houston Dynamo Academy in the MLS Next League. A U.S. and Mexican youth international, he’s dynamic and creative on the ball and typically plays a big role in the team’s offensive system. Gonzalez likes to get on the ball in the center of the field and uses his dribbling skills to beat defenders in tight spaces before darting into the attacking half. The midfielder is also an intelligent passer who often sets his teammates up with first-time passes and is excellent in set pieces, providing great service and firing great shots on goal from distance.

The midfielder played a key role in the Dynamo’s dominant victory, contributing to all but one of the team’s goals and leaving the field with three goals and a pair of assists. Gonzalez spent most of the match playing more centrally and got on the ball a lot, creating all sorts of problems for Austin’s backline with his ability to beat opponents off the dribble and find decisive passes in the final third and his smart movement off the ball. He also showed elite-level ability to finish chances, making great choices in front of the goal to convert his opportunities. Gonzalez was excellent at pressing high, knowing exactly when to step up and who to attack, and he helped the Dynamo produce a strong start to the match, forcing Austin into many mistakes in their buildup.

A box-to-box midfielder, Gonzalez was very intense and active for the Dynamo in the center of the field. He helped facilitate many offensive plays for his team with intelligent, first-time passes and assisted James in their second goal. Gonzalez also helped the Dynamo get the ball into the final third with strong runs. He played as a wide midfielder in the second half, spending time on the right and the left, and drew the penalty kick that sealed his team’s victory in a critical moment of the match.