Lubbock Matadors and NPSL Alum Sam Gomez Continues Professional Soccer Journey with Monterey Bay FC
Sam Gomez has followed an unconventional path on his way to the professional ranks. He spent six years in the collegiate game, finding his way through a number of challenges and setbacks before experiencing his greatest success in his final season.
The journey started at Syracuse University where Gomez failed to see any playing time in two seasons and transferred to play close to home at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). He played with an injury his first two years at SIUE, but eventually that required surgery.
In 2022, Gomez split time in goal, playing in eight games and tallying 20 saves and a 1.33 GAA for the Cougars. 2023 was a breakout season for Gomez as he started all 20 games and collected 65 saves and a 0.61 GAA. The awards and honors would follow. He earned OVC Goalkeeper of the Year, First Team All-OVC, and Third Team All-North Region honors, while finishing fifth nationally in shutouts and sixth nationally in goals against average and save percentage.
This incredible success put him on the radar of MLS Next Pro side St. Louis CITY2, the first stop on his professional soccer journey.
“I just took this year as a huge year to just grow and learn and become a better goalie,” Gomez said. “I took every single day as a day to get better. I didn’t want to be someone that took days off. I wasn’t playing, but for me, I took it as this is more of a test. It’s easy to be the guy who’s playing. I think it’s a lot harder mentally for someone when you’re not playing. I embraced my role, trying to be a good locker room guy. And putting in that hard work as well, trying to keep pushing.”
Gomez would be called into action in one match, and the coaching staff was impressed by the performance. He clearly could be trusted to put in a solid performance whenever called upon. The season was challenging, but Gomez found the experience to be one of growth and experience.
“I just think it was a massive year for me to just grow myself and get that confidence at the pro level,” Gomez added. “Obviously, we were a really good team. I think we were either the second or third best in points for the regular season. It’s a very competitive environment, which I think allowed me to grow in so many ways and just get up to speed, especially with the pro game. You got to be one step sharper, you got to be one step faster, you got to be a lot more just sharp on the day, thinking so much faster. It was a great level. It was awesome to get some reps with the first team being able to train with them and seeing what it is at the MLS level.”
The next call would come from Monterey Bay FC of the USL Championship. His signing would be announced by the club on January 17th.
Gomez is clearly excited for what lies ahead this season.
“I want to make the playoffs,” Gomez continued. “I’ve taken pride in winning these past two or three years. And I love that feeling, and guys love the feeling. I know Monterey didn’t make the playoffs last year, but we have a great group of guys, and we’re looking forward to this year. Hopefully good things come from it. When a team’s doing well, individually you look well. I have a solid group of guys in front of me that are going to make it easy for me. I couldn’t be more grateful for this year and the outlook of what it’s going to be. I’m just excited to play again.”
A major part of his growth and development came during his time with the Lubbock Matadors in the NPSL.
“From the moment I got there, it was unbelievable,” Gomez said. “I mean we were getting 4,000 or 5,000 fans. I don’t think I had ever played in front of that many people in the first place, so that was incredible. The talent, the group, the culture was amazing. The fans were amazing, and then playing for Paul Gilbert, he was the one who kind of gave me the reins of the team to be a captain for them and to guide that team. And we loved winning there. And obviously, they built a good culture there. They have an unbelievable fan base, which is everything. It just pushes you that extra step, especially in Texas where it’s hot, and you have to push through that last 10 minutes. But it was absolutely incredible. And I couldn’t be more grateful to play for a team like that.”
Being part of a winning program was a positive for Gomez.
“They allowed me to just feel that winning culture again,” Gomez said. “And that led to me having such a great season my last year in college, going undefeated in that. It just allowed me to love that winning feeling. It was such an amazing experience. I think it was unbelievable.
According to Gomez, the Lubbock roster was full of incredible talent.
“We had so many D1 players, and we had really good D2 players,” Gomez said. “I think it just showed, it doesn’t really matter what level you’re at, there’s talent everywhere. They did a great job of bringing in a fantastic squad. And we gelled together, we did everything together. You spent so much time with each other, and that shows on the field.”
Matadors GM Dustin McCorkle spoke highly of the time Gomez spent in Lubbock.
“Our club is very proud of Sam Gomez.” McCorkle said. “Since day one, Sam came in with a championship mindset and a goal to connect with the community of Lubbock. He represented the badge with honor and never cheated his teammates or fans with his attitude and effort. Our club, supporters and city will be cheering Monterey Bay on to watch one of our foundation pieces of our club represent us at the highest level. We wish him continued success as he grows his professional soccer career.”
Gomez enjoyed the level and speed of play found in the Lone Star Conference and the NPSL.
“Every game was just a battle,” Gomez concluded. “It was so much fun to play in. You knew you had to be on your best game to come away with three points. And I mean, just the chippiness of the games. I think everyone wants to be a part of just playing at a level where every game feels like it matters. Doesn’t matter if you’re the last place team, those teams are competing as hard as possible and giving you a go. You had to be on your A game to come away with three points. The level was amazing for me.”
Sam Gomez has taken an unconventional path to reach the professional game, but the future looks extremely bright for the NPSL and Lubbock Matadors alum.
Photo Credit: St. Louis CITY SC, Monterey Bay FC, SIUE, and Lubbock Matadors
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