Raúl González (footballer, born 1994) explained

Raúl González
Fullname:Raúl González III
Birth Date:23 September 1994
Birth Place:Ocean Springs, Mississippi, United States
Height:1.73 m
Position:Midfielder
Youthyears1:2007–2011
Youthclubs1:Gulf Coast United
Youthyears2:2012–2013
Youthclubs2:IMG Academy
Years1:2016
Caps1:7
Goals1:1
Years2:2017–2018
Caps2:56
Goals2:5
Years3:2019–2021
Caps3:27
Goals3:1
Collegeyears1:2013–2016
College1:Memphis Tigers
Collegecaps1:65
Collegegoals1:13
Nationalyears1:2021–
Nationalteam1:Puerto Rico
Nationalcaps1:6
Nationalgoals1:0

Raúl González III (born 23 September 1994) is a Puerto Rican footballer who plays for USL Championship club Memphis 901 FC and the Puerto Rico national team. He is usually employed as a central or attacking midfielder.

Youth and college career

From 2007 to 2011, González played youth soccer for Gulf Coast United's development program. In 2012 to 2013, he played at as a forward/midfielder for the U-18 IMG Academy. He also played four years of high school soccer for Ocean Springs High School. In addition, he was a varsity letter-winner for track, football and baseball.

Club career

Between his junior and senior years of college, González played in seven matches for the Premier Development League side, Des Moines Menace. He made seven appearances and tallied one goal for the Menace.[1]

On 30 March 2017, González signed a professional contract with the Richmond Kickers of the United Soccer League. He scored his first goal for the Kickers on 21 May 2017 in a 1–1 away draw at Rochester Rhinos.[2]

González joined USL Championship expansion team Memphis 901 FC ahead of the 2019 season. Unfortunately, he sustained a season-ending knee injury during a preseason friendly match against Louisville City FC on 20 February 2019.[3]

International career

In October 2020, it was announced that González agreed to represent Puerto Rico internationally for the upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification set to start in 2021.[4] He made his international debut on 19 January 2021, as a starter in a 1–0 away friendly win against the Dominican Republic.[5]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Raul Gonzalez - Des Moines Menace Player Stats and Bio. Premier Development League. uslpdl.com. May 25, 2017. July 16, 2016.
  2. Web site: Romig. Mark. Gonzalez Scores First Professional Goal in Draw on the Road. Richmond Kickers. richmondkickers.com. May 25, 2017. May 21, 2017.
  3. Web site: Statement from Memphis 901 FC Head Coach Tim Mulqueen Concerning Raul Gonzalez III . Memphis901FC.com . 27 February 2019.
  4. Web site: Valentín, Laurendi y González, disponibles para defender los colores patrios. Puerto Rican Football Federation. fedefutbolpr.com. October 10, 2020. October 8, 2020.
  5. News: Histórica victoria de Puerto Rico ante República Dominicana. es. Puerto Rican Football Federation. 19 January 2021. 20 January 2021.