Mexico, Reloaded

9-1-2

While most US fans like to taunt Mexico with the numbers 2 and 0, these are the numbers that I'm most proud of as a fan. That's our record against Mexico since the year 2000. Their only two wins came in a home atmosphere you have to physically experience - the noises, the people, the smell, the air, and most importantly, the energy - to understand how improbable getting any result in the Azteca really is.

Outside of those confines, Mexico, we own you. We own your best teams, we own your C teams. We own your imported foreign coaches and players, we own your domestic heroes. We don't spend a lot of time talking about you anymore, simply because we don't hate you anymore. It's worse than that. We're apathetic. We just don't care about Mexico these days. We're that much better than you.

But those of us who are die-hard fans, those of us who still remember all the cheap shots, the kick to Alexi's nuts, Luiz Hernandez's elbows, Carlos Hermosillo's freakin' headed goal off of Kasey Keller's goal kick, Rafa Marquez trying to behead Cobi Jones, and most recently, that pussy Oswald taking a dive at Eddie Johnson's legs, our hate can be rekindled pretty quickly. Just remind us what a dirty, disgusting, unsportsmanlike group of chumps you will devolve into after losing to us, and we'll hate you all over again.

There are also some of us who quietly pay attention to Mexico. Not rabidly, and not consistently. Every once in a while, though, we check in, just to see how you're doing. I've done exactly that since I lived in Mexico. I still harbor dichotomous feelings towards the country - a deep love of the people, culture, food, and landscape, and yet an intense ability to hate their beloved El Tri. But, it keeps me checking back in from time to time. If you check in these days as a fan of the US Team, you may have reason to worry these days of owning Mexico may not last forever. Here are some new faces to watch out for...

Juan Carlos Cacho
My guess is this isn't the name you expected me to put down first as an up and coming Mexican. Maybe it should be. The guy is a finisher, and if you give him a window, he can burn you. He's unafraid of taking shots outside the penalty area, and perfectly capable of burying them. He's scored a couple of ridiculous goals in the Mexican league from more than 40 yards out when goalkeepers have fallen asleep off their lines. In 2007, he scored 38 - thirty eight - goals in Mexican league play. Our defenders will not be able to back off and give him space, or he'll be painting corners on the US goal. He debuted for Mexico in the Copa America and will likely start against the US next month in Houston. US defenders simply cannot lose sight of this guy.


Andres Guardado
One of a few Mexicans now playing in Spain, I find myself cheering for him as a Depor fan, and begrudgingly admiring him when he plays for Mexico. Guardado's rise to El Tri was nothing short of meteoric. He debuted for Atlas in August of 2005, and four months later was called up for the national team. One year after starting his professional career, he was on Mexico's World Cup squad. So, no, he's not an up and coming Mexican. He's already arrived, but he's only 21 years old. He'll be here for a while. This year at Depor he's been one of the few bright spots on the team. In last summer's Gold Cup, he could best be described as a menacing handful for the unfortunates tasked with marking him. He's a creative player with exquisite ball skills, and he's lightning quick. If he comes back next month, he's going to be the best left midfielder any US right back has had to mark since we played against him last time.

The Class of 2005
Giovanni Dos Santos and Carlos Vela. Two names that have concerned US Soccer fans since they exploded onto the national scene in the 2005 Under 17 World Cup. How good are they? They're good enough that two of the world's elite clubs - in fact just two years ago the two teams facing each other in the Champions League finals - own their rights. Dos Santos is getting minutes for FC Barcelona in Spain's Liga Primera. Vela's rights are owned by Arsenal of the Premiership, but he, too, is plying his trade in Spain's top league as a regular in Osasuna's lineup. Arsenal's manager, Arsene Wenger, has made it clear that Vela will be brought back this summer and given a shot to make it in their first team. Like most young talented players just getting their feet wet, these 18 year olds can be inconsistent. What forces you to pay attention, though, are those flashes of play when they show you what they're capable of. And both of these 18 year olds are capable of world-class quality. Dos Santos can play as a forward or any attacking midfield position, including on the wings. Vela is more of an out and out striker.

It's unknown if any of these players will be called on by Mexican coach Hugo Sanchez to play against the United States. If history is an indicator, though, Hugo wants to make a statement by beating his northern rival and reclaim the undisputed top dog of CONCACAF title for El Tri. We are also still not sure if Bradley will bring in any of his young guns. Because it is an international date, Bradley has the right to call in kids like Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley, who are making names for themselves overseas. What we do know is that both teams seem to be reloading themselves with young talent. The concern you have to have as a US fan is, are we keeping up? February 6th will be a good indication of what lies ahead in this critical year of World Cup Qualification.

What do you think? Will the US be able to maintain its domination of Mexico? Why or why not?