Report: Dual national Jonathan Gonzalez chooses Mexico over U.S.

Eighteen-year-old midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez reportedly dealt a massive blow to U.S. Soccer by pledging his allegiance to the Mexican national team.

A source close to the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) told ESPN FC's Tom Marshall on Monday that he has opted to represent El Tri.

Born to Mexican parents in California, Gonzalez sprung onto the scene in 2017 as he helped Monterrey win the Copa MX. He was also named to the league's best XI following an impressive debut campaign in Mexico's top flight.

Although he has played for the U.S. at various youth levels, FIFA allows players to swap national teams if they've yet to feature in a competitive match for the senior side.

The teenager was in discussions with Bruce Arena before he resigned as head coach of the men's team. Arena stepped down following his country's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and communication with Gonzalez apparently broke off around that time.

He said he was unhappy that U.S. Soccer neglected to include him in its squad for a November friendly against Portugal - an oversight that may have led to the reported change in heart.

However, playing in that exhibition wouldn't have prohibited Gonzalez from joining Mexico.

"I wasn't called in in November. Personally, nobody came and talked to me and let me know about that friendly," he told Soccer America. "I just wasn't called in."

In the meantime, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio reportedly contacted Gonzalez and his family to convince the player of the controversial switch.

He could make his Mexico debut as early as Jan. 31 against Bosnia-Herzegovina.