Omar Gomez
Age: 21
Birthplace: Oxnard, California
Position: Defender
College/Former Club: Salt Lake Community College
Q: Tell us a little bit about your soccer journey.
“I started playing soccer when I was four years old. I played at a local club in Oxnard where I am from called Oxnard PAL. I played there all the way up until I was 16 and then when I was 16 I moved to Colorado, to Denver specifically. I then joined the Rapids Academy and played here for two years and then I went off to college in Salt Lake City, Utah. I played there (Salt Lake Community College) for two years and studied for two years, came back and now I am currently playing for Rapids 2.”
Q: Tell us a little about your personal journey outside of soccer.
“Since I was a little boy, my parents separated and that is something that played a big role in me playing soccer. I have three sisters and two brothers and I am the second oldest, so it is a pretty big family. My family was really supportive of me throughout my soccer career because they knew what I had in me. Family-wise, it was a challenge, but a sweeter challenge to get where I am at right now.”
Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in soccer?
“My family has always told me that since they put a soccer ball in front of me, I have always loved it. The older I got, I just got more into it and more into it and then eventually, it became a part of me. So, it eventually became that soccer was my everything. I do come from a soccer family. My dad played, my aunts played, I have a lot of people that played. It just makes it so much easier when you have a family like that to drive you and be supportive while chasing your dreams. Ever since six or eight years old, I always wanted to become a professional soccer player.”
Q: Outside of soccer, what are some of your hobbies?
“I do love to travel. I love nature, so I like to go on hikes and explore different stuff. At the same time, I can be a homebody as well. I love movies, I like to just chill. It is a little bit of both.”
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration on the pitch?
“My inspiration growing up was Sergio Ramos. I love the intensity that he plays with and the aggressiveness he plays with and how he holds himself on the pitch being a captain and starting at a really young age with top players. I just love his style of play.”
Q: Who is your biggest inspiration off of the pitch?
“Off of the pitch, I would say my mom. My mom for sure is someone who has been with me through thick and thin, through the highs and through the lows. She is the one that inspires me to keep going forward and to never stop chasing my dreams.”
Q: *How would you describe your style of play on the field?
“When I am on the field, I try to be a really attack-minded player. I would say I am an aggressive player as well. I am the type of player that when I am on the field I give it 100% and make sure I walk off the field knowing that I gave it my all.”
Q: What would you say your lifestyle is like off the pitch?
“I am a really simple guy. I like to keep things simple. Off the pitch, I am a guy that just likes to be around people like family and friends. I am a casual dude. I don’t expect much from anyone, but I do treat myself here and there. Spoil myself a bit. My haircuts for sure.”
Q: What is your go to pre match/pre training meal?
“On game days, I love to have avocado toast when I wake up and a side of oatmeal and a glass of orange juice. That is always my go to. When it comes to lunch, I don’t eat too heavy. I like making myself a nice sandwich with some fruit on the side, like an apple or something.”
Q: What is your favorite cheat meal?
“I would have to say Mexican food. It is really greasy but when I can cheat, I go all out on Mexican food, like tacos, burritos, all of that stuff.”
Q: Give me three words to describe Omar the soccer player.
A: “Hard working. Always wanting to learn. Perseverance.”
Q: Give me three words to describe Omar the person.
A: “Laid back. Funny. Outgoing.”
Q: Do you have any game day/training routines or superstitions?
A: “On game days, one thing I always do is I take a shower before I go on the pitch whether that is in the locker room or my house. It just became a routine. Music, like from when I wake up. I like to just vibe to music to get me in the mood to play. I love Kendrick Lamar. I love J. Cole and I do listen to a bit of Drake and Lil Baby. One song I do love is “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill. It is my favorite.”
Q: What does your day look like on an off day?
A: “Most of the time I like to chill. I usually just chill at my apartment. If not, I go out. I like to take walks around my complex where I live. Just enjoy the day off and enjoy the outside. I watch movies, shows. I am more of a movie guy. My favorite is “Goal! The Dream Begins”. It is a soccer movie and it's pretty rare. If not, I love army movies as well. “Lone Survivor” would be at the top.”
Q: What does wearing the Rapids 2 badge mean to you?
A: “I am grateful. I am grateful to even have the opportunity to wear that badge every day. I see it as an opportunity to grow and learn a lot as a person and as a player. I have been here since I was 16 or 17, so I kind of know how it works with Rapids, how they want their players to succeed and develop and get to a top place. I am fortunate to wear this badge and it is what keeps me going.”
Q: Do you have a badge in your personal life that represents who you are as a person? Ex: family crest, tattoo, meaningful item.
A: “I do have a lot of tattoos and they are about family. One thing I do love are lions. The reason why is because they take care of their family and protect their territory. That is how I see myself. Just to be there for my family and protect my family no matter what happens. Even if we are miles away or close with each other, that is probably my badge, a lion. That is also going to be my next tattoo.”
