Monterrey

Ex-youth player for US called up by Mexico for exhibition

Published Jan. 25, 2018 4:24 p.m. ET

MEXICO CITY (AP) Midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez has been called up for the first time to play for the Mexican national team in an exhibition against Bosnia & Herzegovina leading to the 2018 World Cup.

Gonzalez was born in Santa Rosa, California, and played for U.S. youth teams. He asked FIFA for a chance to switch sides and play for Mexico.

The Mexican federation said Thursday it received confirmation from FIFA. Mexico faces Bosnia & Herzegovina on Wednesday in San Antonio.

The 18-year-old Gonzalez plays for Monterrey in Mexico and last season was chosen as one of the league's best players.

Gonzalez played in the U.S. with the U-14, U-17 and U-20 teams but was not chosen for last year's under-20 World Cup in South Korea. He was not called by the senior team for World Cup qualifiers.

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