Plucky Panchito

See, you cover a player for a couple of years, you think you know their story, but then you learn something new.

Like that Dutch giant Ajax once put in an offer for Panchito Mendoza. Now that he's doing well in MLS, Mendoza hopes to stick it out in the league and make the leap to Europe that eluded Juan Pablo Garcia. Of course, he's also hoping to prove those wrong who say an MLS-developed player won't be chosen for the Mexican national team.

Panchito also had a clear message for those who doubt MLS.

"It’s not easy. I want to make that clear – more than anything for the Mexican people who still think the soccer here is at a low level. Honestly, let me tell them from having lived here, it’s a good level. It’s very strong, physical and it’s growing technically. That’s probably where it still can grow compared to Mexico, but still, most people aren’t aware of how good it has gotten. MLS is very strong and competitive. It’s advancing a lot, and I really mean that."