If she had to choose between playing for either the Mexican national team or U.S. national team, Mariel Gutierrez would have quite the decision to make.
Gutierrez was born in Mexico but has lived in Colorado since she was 2 months old.
Her goal is to play on a national team. Until then, she’ll play for the FC Tucson women’s team.
Her squad is 2-1 and will play host to Phoenix del Sol at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
Gutierrez, a senior-to-be at the University of Northern Colorado, is playing on her second Women’s Premier Soccer League team. She suited up for the Colorado Pride two years ago but wasn’t able to play with the Colorado Springs team the following year because they were unable to field a squad.
Gutierrez used a connection to find a summer home. Her college coach, Tim Barrera, is friends with FC Tucson coach Amy Garelick. By now, Garelick is used to the pitch.
“It’s hit or miss,” Garelick said. “Sometimes they pan out; other times it’s not as successful.”
Gutierrez has proven to be a hit.
On Saturday, the forward scored both of FC Tucson’s goals against the San Diego SeaLions — including the go-ahead goal in the 87th minute.
“She’s a silent leader, where she leads by example,” Garelick said. “Everything that she does, for our younger players, it’s a massive benefit.”
Although there’s no way in knowing if Gutierrez will return to Tucson for another season next summer, Garelick said Gutierrez is always welcome to play for her.
For now, Gutierrez, Garelick and the remainder of the FC Tucson women’s team only have one more home game at the Kino North Stadium before finishing the second half of the season on the road.
“Everybody needs to come out on Friday night to watch her,” Garelick said. “She’s fun. She’s funky.”
