Slot on national soccer team on hold

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005 | 11:26 a.m.

It was just last week that U.S. national soccer team coach Bruce Arena informed Las Vegas native and Los Angeles Galaxy forward Herculez Gomez that he might get his first international call-up for a friendly against Scotland in Glasgow on Saturday.

Then the Galaxy advanced to Sunday's MLS Cup against New England in Frisco, Texas, by beating Colorado in Denver last Saturday night.

Club or country?

The predicament that has long plagued star European soccer players was Gomez's until Tuesday, and the decision wasn't his. He was informed before a training session with the Galaxy that Arena had not selected anyone from the Revolution or Galaxy for the Scotland trip.

"It would have been a great opportunity and a great honor to play for the national team," Gomez, 23, said. "At the same time, it isn't like they said 'no' for any specific reason, other than that we're in the final.

"So it's OK. I've been hoping all season to get recognized. It's the best of both worlds."

Arena, still scouting for next year's World Cup team, has taken a serious look at the Las Vegas High graduate because Gomez has etched a breakthrough MLS debut, scoring 11 goals in 22 games.

After the team's plane landed at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday morning, Gomez said he was still torn about his future.

"I've finally caught Bruce's eye," he said. "I'll do my best in whichever situation. I feel privileged and honored, and I definitely know how lucky I am."

Two days later, Gomez said since returning from Colorado he has only been thinking about playing against New England in the MLS Cup.

"I have been daydreaming about what it will be like in the final, knowing I've had a significant role in leading up to this point," he said. "More than anything, I'm focused on the MLS Cup. Scotland wasn't anywhere on my mind.

"But it's good to know I'm on Bruce's radar now. I'm sure he'll give me another opportunity. I've had a good year, and it will be special to cap it off with a championship."

The Galaxy (13-13-6) won the Western Conference playoffs despite finishing tied for third place. New England (17-7-8) won the Eastern Conference, then beat Chicago on Sunday for a spot in Texas.

The teams tied 1-1 in both of their July meetings. In the first, Gomez, as a substitute, scored his first MLS point with an assist. In the second, in Foxboro, Mass., he scored a goal and had several other scoring opportunities.

"I feel optimistic about my chances," he said. "They have great players, but they're a very beatable team. I feel their back line is their weakness and our frontline is where our strength is. We have confidence, a swagger in our step.

"We have that little fire in us, and I think we'll take it."

Rob Miech can be reached at 259-4087 or miech@lasvegassun.com