Rich Gomez is a Southern California native, raised in Orange County. Rich was introduced to the game of soccer at the age of five and started playing at the age of seven. Rich started out playing in AYSO Region 55. When asked what position do you want to play Rich answered “Goalie” and he has been playing in the goal ever since.
Rich played for two local club teams in his youth. The H.B. Select and the Westminster Gauchos: then continued to play in High School and was named to the "All CIF" second team his junior year and was a first team CIF selection his senior year. Rich also played for the Junior Surf soccer team during his high school years.
Rich attended Golden West College and played under Coach Gregory Gica from 1980 – 1982. He also played three years in the semi-pro indoor speed soccer league. He played two years for the Huntington Beach Dolphins leading the Dolphins to the championship in 1982, where Rich was also named the most valuable goalkeeper of the league. Rich played his last season in the MISL with the Los Angeles Lazers in 1984 under coach Mike Mahoney.
Rich was recruited and invited to tryout and train with four major indoor soccer league teams, The L.A. Lazers, Las Vegas Americans, Kansas City Comets, and the Memphis Americans.
Rich has trained and been part of the growth of many Goalkeepers for various Orange County clubs, helping Goalkeepers prepare themselves for the ODP, the collegiate level, and beyond.
We are fortunate to have Rich join the Blues this season, he will be a tremendous asset for our club.