United States manager Bruce Arena helped convince Jesse Gonzalez to switch his national team allegiance from Mexico to the U.S., the goalkeeper told ESPN FC TV on Friday.
Gonzalez last month committed his international future to the U.S. after FIFA approved a one-time switch for the FC Dallas man.
Gonzalez was born in Edenton, North Carolina, but qualified for Mexico citizenship through his parents. He played for Mexico at both the under-20 and under-23 levels, but never for the senior team.
The 22-year-old had been included in Arena's 40-man preliminary squad ahead of the ongoing Gold Cup before officially making the change.