Gonzalo Segares facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Gonzalo Segares

Segares with Chicago Fire in 2012
Personal information
Full name	Gonzalo Segares González
Date of birth	(1982-10-13) October 13, 1982 (age 42)
Place of birth	San José, Costa Rica
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Position(s)	Defender
Team information
Current team	United States U17 (head coach)
Youth career
2000–2001	Saprissa
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2001–2004	VCU Rams	84	(16)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2003	Williamsburg Legacy	5	(0)
2005–2009	Chicago Fire	108	(8)
2010	Apollon Limassol	12	(0)
2010–2014	Chicago Fire	123	(3)
Total		248	(11)
International career
2007–2011	Costa Rica	19	(0)
Managerial career
2015–2016	Chicago Fire (academy)
2016–2019	Chicago FC United (academy)
2020–2021	United States U15
2021–	United States U17
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Gonzalo Segares González (born October 13, 1982) is a former professional football player from Costa Rica. He played most of his career as a defender for the Major League Soccer team Chicago Fire. Today, he is the head coach for the United States U17 national team.

Playing Football

Early Years and College

Gonzalo Segares started playing football in the youth teams of Saprissa in Costa Rica. He then received a scholarship to play college soccer in the United States. From 2001 to 2004, he played for Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

Segares was a very strong player right from the start. He played in all 83 games during his four years at VCU. As a defender, he scored 16 goals and made 10 assists. He was recognized as a top player in his league for three years. In his final year, he was named an All-American. During his college years, he also played for the Williamsburg Legacy team.

Professional Career

Gonzalo Segares began his professional career with the Chicago Fire in 2005. He was chosen in the third round of the SuperDraft. He quickly showed his skills during his first year.

In 2006, Segares helped the Chicago Fire win the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This was the fourth time the club won this important tournament. He played every minute of the final game. Segares was a key player for the Fire, especially in 2008 and 2009. He played as a left-sided defender.

After the 2009 season, Segares moved to a club in Cyprus called Apollon Limassol. However, he returned to the Chicago Fire in August 2010. He continued to play for the Fire until the end of the 2014 season. On February 4, 2015, Gonzalo Segares announced that he was retiring from playing professional football.

Playing for His Country

Gonzalo Segares also played for his home country, Costa Rica. He was first called up to the national team in 2007. He played in the qualifying games for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He also played in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In that tournament, Costa Rica reached the semifinals.

Becoming a Coach

After retiring as a player, Segares stayed with the Chicago Fire. He worked as an academy coach, helping young players develop their skills. He also served as a club ambassador.

In January 2020, he joined the United States Soccer Federation. He became the head coach for the United States U15 team. On October 18, 2021, Gonzalo Segares was announced as the new head coach for the United States U17 team. He continues in this role today.

Coaching Record

Here is a summary of Gonzalo Segares's coaching record:

Personal Life

Gonzalo Segares has a U.S. green card. This allowed him to be considered a domestic player for teams in Major League Soccer.

Achievements

With Chicago Fire

• Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
  • Winners (1): 2006

Individual Awards

• Chicago Fire Defender of the Year:
  • Winner: (1): 2007

See also

In Spanish: Gonzalo Segares para niños