Virgen: TOCA takes off in Costa Mesa

Omar Gonzalez was at a pivotal time in his career just two years ago.

The Los Angeles Galaxy star player entered into a bit of a crossroads dealing with a knee injury as he did his best to maintain a positive attitude while rehabilitating.

He knew he had to rebuild strength in his knee. He knew he had to pick up where he left off, stay on that path of great potential.

Or, it could’ve all just fell apart.

But, no, he went to a unique rehab. He went to become a pioneer, rather a guinea pig.

Gonzalez basically became the first pro soccer player, rehabbing from an ACL injury, to use TOCA, a training machine for soccer that produces more touches. Gonzalez’ friend, Eddie Lewis, a former U.S. men’s national team player, just like Gonzalez, founded the TOCA machine.

“Eddie came to me with this TOCA idea and he had it ready,” Gonzalez said. “I would drive two hours to Corona and use the machine.”

Gonzalez and Lewis were together again earlier this month for the grand opening of the TOCA training center at 2777 Bristol Street in Costa Mesa.

Lewis was at times emotional and very grateful to see his TOCA project continue to build. He thanked many while giving a speech, and ended with expressing gratitude to Gonzalez, who went on to become the MLS championship MVP for the Galaxy in 2012. That was when Gonzalez came on late in the season and sparkled for the Galaxy in their MLS Cup win over Houston Dynamo.

Gonzalez continues to stand by TOCA and says he still uses it for training.

“To get soccer movements with TOCA I believe it helped me get back sooner and get back to a level to where on the first day of real training I was already on a level that I wasn’t bringing down the level at practice,” Gonzalez said. “I felt my touches were already where it needed to be. I felt comfortable mentally because I believed I got many touches with TOCA.”

Gonzalez’ testimonial was perfect for Lewis, who also used the same type of training to develop his skills that led him to becoming a standout for UCLA and the Americans.

Lewis was excited to see people show up to the grand opening to meet him and Gonzalez, as well as Claudio Reyna, a former U.S. men’s national team player.

They all stood by Lewis and supported this idea of a TOCA machine that’s aimed to provide more touches for soccer players, young and old, experienced and beginners.

Lewis was at times taken aback by the reception.

“There were couple of moments where I got choked up,” Lewis said. “This has been 20 years of my life. It’s very, very powerful. I’d like to believe this is a big step for hopefully more things to come.”

Lewis said the business process of TOCA wasn’t very easy as he had several doors shut in front of him. But he said he pressed on because he believed in his idea and he believed the machine would be beneficial for soccer players.

“There were a lot of hang-ups on the phone,” Lewis said. “There were a plenty of moments of disappointment. A lot of people have really good ideas, but the reality is there’s a reason why they don’t to fruition. It’s just too hard. You gotta raise money, organize the company. I realized, I’m not even improving the market. I’m making one. We don’t even really have anyone to fall back on. When it was all said and done it came down to: did they believe in me?”

People did believe in Lewis because they saw how the training worked for him. And they also saw how the training worked for Gonzalez.