Pachuca unveiled their latest signing Tuesday with a timely, yet bizarre, pop culture reference. Clad in Darth Vader’s getup and stepping to “The Imperial March,” Pachuca’s new arrival, Darth Omar, made his way to the podium along with a Sith Lord, Stormtrooper and an undersized Chewbacca.
With Star Wars fever firmly gripping the planet, who can blame Pachuca for catching the bug? It makes for an oddly captivating viewing experience.
Así fue la presentación de @Omar4Gonzalez como nuevo jugador de #ElÚnicoEnMipic.twitter.com/8Ax8XcgI5e
— Club Pachuca (@Tuzos) December 22, 2015
Unclasping his helmet and breath mask, which would’ve certainly killed the actual Dark Lord of the Sith, the new signing was revealed to be none other than US National Team defender Omar Gonzalez. Gonzalez displayed no respiratory problems after losing the mask. The medical team must've done a thorough job on the physical.
The former MLS Rookie and Defender of the Year recipient is joining Pachuca after having played for the LA Galaxy since 2009. Fans of Mexico will certainly remember Darth Omar for his domineering display in a 0-0 draw between the US and Mexico at Estadio Azteca in 2013.
Related: Omar Gonzalez Breaks Into The White House...And Documents It On Twitter
The 27-year-old defender was the casualty of a Los Angeles roster restructure, with the club unable to match the previous salary they’d afforded him. For Gonzalez, however, joining Pachuca in time for the Liga MX Clausura 2016 offers the center back a chance to further his development and test himself in a more demanding league.
Gonzalez’s stock had recently fallen due to some shaky performances for both club and country, but there's no doubting the quality of a fully fit and motivated Gonzalez. This move to the “dark side” represents a promising deal for Gonzalez, Pachuca and the United States national team.