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On Friday, Toronto FC announced the signing of American international Herculez Gomez. Gomez has spent the bulk of his career playing in Mexico, and has been capped by the United States national team 24 times.
While Gomez is a fairly nice addition for Toronto, it was probably of very little note to Cosmos fans until Ives Galarcep Tweeted the following:
RE: Herculez Gomez deal. I'm told he was on verge of signing w/the Cosmos this week when MLS stepped in late & greased wheels for MLS return
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) August 7, 2015
Gomez would have been an interesting addition to the Cosmos, who are clearly looking for attacking depth, and have also been linked to Greek international Georgios Samaras of late. While I'd easily prefer Samaras to Gomez if given a straight choice between the two, the fact that Gomez wouldn't require one of New York's seven international roster slots adds to the appeal of the 33-year old, especially while the club is looking to replace the retiring Marcos Senna as well.
Regardless of whether or not Gomez would have been my first choice, however, it's both encouraging and frustrating to hear that the club were on the verge of his signature. Losing the player to Toronto and MLS is obviously the frustrating part, while hearing that the club was at least very close to reaching a deal with a US international is something I find pleasing. Here's hoping we actually land one in the near future...