It doesn't seem like Toronto FC's Herculez Gomez has appeared four times since arriving in August.

The former U.S. international has been used so sparingly, so infrequently that it's dumbfounding fans.

Was he picked up as a commodity? Trade bait?

Or, just maybe, a legitimate piece to the puzzle?

The 33-year-old one-time Liga MX standout doesn't know either.

"I like the challenge of coming to TFC," Gomez offered, "but it's fair to say nobody thought it would be like this."

The lack of playing time. The lack of opportunities.

While motivating, it's frustrating for a player with such a pedigree.

"I'm definitely looking to better my situation," Gomez said. "I understand all factors involved.

"This is by no means the end of the stretch run for me. If it doesn't end up going my way at TFC I'll still look to continue playing. This isn't the end, it's just another challenge."

Gomez has faced -- and overcome -- similar stumbling blocks throughout his career.

His first real chance, though, could come against East-leading Red Bull New York on Wednesday.

With both Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco away on international duty, it seems this is precisely the reason Gomez was brought in.

Should it pan out -- Gomez was playing alongside Luke Moore up front in Thursday's training -- it's a massive opportunity.

Toronto FC needs a single point to clinch its first ever playoff berth in front of home fans.

New York, meanwhile, is looking to clinch the Supporters' Shield.

The Reds are desperate for someone other than Gioivnco and Michael Bradley to step up and perform -- to score a game-winning goal.

"It's a chance and a challenge I relish because I happen to think New York is one of the best clubs in the league," Gomez said.

"So I relish the opportunity to get out in front of our home fans and get the chance to do something. They're a very good club and their numbers show it. They're fighting for the Supporters' Shield and it's pretty much the type of environment, type of setting where if you want to prove yourself it's ideal."

Still, it's bizarre to think a player of Gomez's stature needs to "prove" anything.

He's played in a World Cup. He's proven himself at every level in North America.

Anyone with that resume would, under normal circumstances, fit right into an MLS team's plans.

"I would have assumed so, yeah," Gomez said. "But I understand as much as anybody that the coaches have their opinions and they have to do what's best for the club.

"At this moment I don't fit into those opinions or factor in. It is what it is. I'm working hard to try to change that.

"I'm a grown man and I've been around long enough to know that the only way to change the situation is to stick around and work."

His head coach understands there's frustration, but indicated this week that Robbie Findley has been better in wide positions.

That, in essence, is what has kept Gomez from seeing significant minutes.

"I think (Gomez) has looked less comfortable as a midfielder and a little more comfortable as a forward," TFC head coach Greg Vanney said.

"The challenge you have is that when Jozy and Seba are healthy, they're our top two guys."

Now they're away. And Gomez, as one of the veterans in TFC's dressing room, could be thrust into a leadership role.

"Those three players (Bradley, Giovinco and Altidore) are a huge part of our tactical shift and our attacking motivation," Gomez admitted.

"We're going to have to shift away from that because we depend so much on them.

"But we're all men here. We're professionals. Whoever steps on the field has a job to do."

Gomez has completed those tasks wherever he has been.

"It has always been the same thing when I go to a new club: I have to win my place," he said.

What an opportunity on Wednesday.

HERC'S TAKE ON US-MEXICO TILT

Herculez Gomez has a unique perspective as it pertains to Saturday night's massive CONCACAF Cup playoff.

The United States (2013 Gold cup champs) will meet Mexico (2015 Gold Cup champs) at a sold-out Rose Bowl for a spot at the 2017 Confederations Cup.

Gomez, of course, appeared two-dozen times for the U.S. from 2007-13, scoring six times.

He also spent the last five years playing in Mexico, meaning he has something different to offer when it comes to one of the globe's fiercest soccer rivalries.

"I don't think any scoreline would surprise me," Gomez said of the looming match. "Both sides are kind of going through the same thing.

"The Mexican press, the mexican fans, the U.S. press, the U.S. fans are all asking the same questions.

"It's pretty much the same thing being said in a different language."

His description of the intense U.S.-Mexico rivalry was pretty funny.

While at Santos Laguna, Gomez described one of his manager's pre-match speeches before a Champions League fixture against an MLS club.

"They have baseball! They have football! They have have basketball!," Gomez reenacted his manager. "But "F" that! This is our's! This is our game! Let's go show them!"

Even funnier, Santos Laguna was about to play Toronto FC.

"I was like, 'Guys, this is Canada.'" Gomez laughed.

You get the picture.