Interview with California United Strikers Defender Gonzo Salguero
SoccerToday Player Spotlight – Player to Watch Feature
There is a new pathway to American professional soccer with the launch of
National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), a third-division professional league sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
Providing valuable opportunities to a new crop of professional soccer players, many teams competing in NISA are rostering young local talent.
Southern California’s new professional soccer team California United Strikers has just emerged on the scene with 16 local homegrown players on their 23-man roster. With more than 30 years experience, Cal United Strikers’ Head Coach Don Ebert is the Technical Director/Director of Strikers FC USSDA, a USSF A licensed coach and has an eye for selecting top talent.
The California United Strikers Home Opening match is on September 22, at 4 PM at the Champions Soccer Stadium in Orange Country Great Park. For tickets, click here. !
California United Strikers’ defender Gonzo Salguero is one of the highly talented Southern California homegrown players to earn a professional contract. A product of CZ Elite and trained under Cherif Zein for four years, Salguero knew he wanted to be a professional soccer player even when he was young.
Zein has coached for over 45 years in the Los Angeles area and has developed top-flight D1 collegiate players as well as professional players for international clubs. From developing Yura Movsisyan, a forward for the Armenia national football team to David Quesada, a forward who played in the MLS as well as in Costa Rica, among many others, Zein has a well-earned reputation for helping talented youth players become professional soccer players.
“Salguero is dominant attacking from the back — fluid transition from defense.”
Cherif Zein – CZ Elite
Salguero joined the ranks of professional soccer when he recently signed a contract with NISA’s Orange County team, the Cal United Strikers.
Interview with California United Strikers Defender Gonzo Salguero
Nina Capriotti: What did it feel like to sign your first professional soccer contract and become a pro player?
Gonzo Salguero: Honestly, the feeling was amazing. I am thankful for the opportunity cal united has offered me and I am just trying to take advantage of it.
Becoming a pro is something I have worked hard for —and it’s the first step.
Now I got to work even harder so that my team can succeed and in turn, I can continue to move on upwards.
Nina Capriotti: What do you like best about your role as a defender at California United Strikers …
Gonzo Salguero: My position as an outside back requires me to defend, but I am a defender that likes to join the offense and attack.
I break out of the back, make runs to the final third and join counter attacks.
It requires a lot of running because I got to get back and defend but running up and attacking, trying to get assists and score goals for my team is an aspect of my position I really enjoy.
Nina Capriotti: You used to play for the UPSL LA Wolves team. How is it playing with the other former LA Wolves players? Duncan Capriotti, Kifi Cabrera Miguel Sanchez-Rincon, and Xavier Fuerte?
Gonzo Salguero: It’s special to play with my former UPSL LA Wolves teammates because we have been in it together from the beginning.
To see all of us work hard and get to reach the
It makes the shared success even sweeter.
We continue to push each other and I wish nothing but the best for my teammates.
Nina Capriotti: You are a youth soccer coach at Home Field Advantage? What’s it like coaching there?
Gonzo Salguero: Sacha van der Most van Spijk founded Home Field Advantage (HFA) and his idea to bring a soccer program to the elementary schools of Downey is amazing.
Kids can learn about the game of soccer, compete, have some fun, gets some exercise and they don’t have to drive hours to play on a team.
I am a coaching director with HFA and it is a wonderful experience.
I get to give back to the kids and help teach them the sport that I love. I also get to mentor and help high school students learn to coach soccer.
Diane Scavuzzo: How to CZ Elite prepare you for becoming the pro player you are today?
Gonzo Salguero:I loved my time at CZ Elite under Cherif. He has tons of soccer experience and provides great training sessions. Cherif helps teach every aspect of the game. From helping players develop their technical abilities to helping players understand the tactical aspect of soccer. On top of that Cherif has tons of connections that help a player move upwards in their soccer career.
Simply put, everyone knows Cherif and people respect him.
