(Photo by Dave Adams)

Dominic Gomez enters the MCLA Hall of Fame as an outstanding player.

As a standout goalie for Sonoma State during the Seawolves’ (then Cossacks) salad days, Gomez backboned some of the top teams in MCLA history. His play during Sonoma’s run to the 2002 national championship is ensconced in the association’s lore.

Gomez was a three-time All-American, earning first team accolades once. He was a three-time all-WCLL selection and helped Sonoma advance to at least the quarterfinals of nationals every single season he was in Rohnert Park.

“Every good team needs a good ball-stopper and clearer at the goalie position. Dominic Gomez was both, as well as team leader in every sense of the word,” said former Sonoma State coach Doug Carl. “What set ‘Mez apart was the confidence his teammates had in his ability to conduct the defense.

“With him between the pipes, everyone knew what package we were in, who was first and second slide, whether we were sliding early, normal or just showing. Whether we were slide-recover or slide-double based upon the constantly changing dynamic between ball carrier, defensive player and game situation.

“No one ran a defense better than Dominic Gomez. Period. His presence gave 'Noma the feeling of being ahead on the scoreboard before even taking the field.”

Gomez becomes the second goalie to enter the MCLA Hall of Fame, following in the footsteps of Cal’s Rob Warner.

“This is a great honor. I am humbled to be put in with my fellow inductees. Especially my fellow Sonoma State alumni Dallas Hartley,” said Gomez.

“I was very fortunate to be have played on some great teams at Sonoma State,” he continued. “I had amazing coaches, teammates and support during my entire career. The defensemen that I played with probably deserve this honor more than I do. They are the ones that made my job much easier. It's a true honor to represent Sonoma State University, my teammates, coaches and family.”

Gomez and the MCLA Hall of Fame Class of 2020 will be inducted on May 8 at the Hotel RL in Salt Lake City. They will also be honored on Saturday, May 9 at Judge Memorial High School during the two finals of the 2020 MCLA National Championships presented by New Balance.

For further event information and tickets, please visit HERE.