Cerritos men’s soccer team member Ruben Gonzalez was named to the United States national team last month.

Gonzalez, starting forward and freshman out of Artesia High School, was named to the U.S Under-20 National squad. The Under-20 team is compiled of the best players in the age range from around the nation.

“I was beyond happy when I found out I was on the team.” Gonzalez said. “The experience is unexplainable, you see the teams and all the other countries play as a kid, and then to find out you are one of them is just amazing.”

Though he is a forward for the Cerritos College soccer team, he was placed as a midfielder in the national team.

Men’s soccer head coach Benny Artiaga said it was not a surprise for him to hear that Gonzalez was named to the national team. “The kid always works hard at the practices and is constantly trying to get better.”

Considering his soccer career so far, it shouldn’t be a surprise that Gonzalez was named to the national team.

At Artesia High School, Gonzalez’s alma matter, he was voted the Offensive Player of the Year by his teammates his junior year. He was first-team All-Suburban League Choice two times, and was named to the Press-Telegram Dream Team.

As a senior he received All-C.I.F honors and was named the Suburban League MVP.

In his first year here at Cerritos College, Gonzalez posted seven goals and four assists. He also helped take the team to the third round of the Southern California Regional playoffs.

Gonzalez was set to play and start in the first game of the Dallas Cup, but due to a hamstring injury he missed the 1-0 loss to the Mexican national team.

Gonzalez managed to return, and start, in the team’s 1-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. He also started in the 1-0 loss to the German Eintracht Frankfurt team and the 1-1 tie against the Japanese national team.

Ruben Gonzalez and fellow Cerritos soccer player Cesar Castillo, who also had a chance to compete in the national team but was not chosen, are currently on loan with the Chivas USA soccer club’s Under-18 academy and currently attend practices for the academy.

His favorite player, and inspiration, has been Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima.