Riverside Poly High has produced some quality soccer teams over the years and the Ochoa family has contributed to their success.
Jesse Ochoa was a standout at Poly before going by the name Jesus (though everyone around here still calls him Jesse) and playing in MLS and Mexico.
Sammy Ochoa went to Tecos UAG of Mexico and made the U.S. 2005 World Youth Championship squad.
So where are they now?
Jesus was with Chivas USA in 2005 but was cut in the preseason of 2006. He vanished. His wife had just given birth and apparently soccer wasn't an option. Not sure where he's latched onto full time but he's giving high school refereeing a shot. One of his less-famous brothers has reffed in the Inland Empire before and now apparently Jesus aka Jesse is giving it a go.
Yanks Abroad, meanwhile, reports that Sammy might consider joining MLS instead of staying with Tecos' reserve side at year's end. Sammy's got some talent but he's not playing at all for Tecos. He wasn't part of their InterLiga team in January 2007 which I took as a sign that they didn't think highly of him and hasn't played in the top flight since February. If it's between MLS and Tecoman of the second division, MLS is the better option.
Younger brothers Armando and Norberto are still in high school, though I haven't kept tabs on their progress. But the high school soccer season is coming up soon so we'll have time to keep up with the Ochoas as the year progresses.
I was wonndering what happened to Sammy. Sigi was high on this guy after the WYC in Holland.
ReplyDeleteI believe he played against the Columbus Crew in a friendly the Crew won 2-0. Word is from the fans on bigsoccer is that he did not stand out much in that game. Which does not mean much, but the Crew had a number of developmental and second teamers on the pitch, so if you were going to stand out against anybody.
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