Sangre americana J14

This ever-evolving look at Americans plying their trade in Mexico continues to take shape. I've added another player to the mix, though he was born in Mexico - Sammy Ochoa who represented the US at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. Ochoa has played only with Tecos' Primera A side this year and I'll preview those games. Also, I'll be doing the same with Sonny Guadarrama and Jesus Padilla, as the two have seen precious little time with Morelia and Chivas, respectively.

With that, here's how how the Americans fare entering the weekend.

Michael Orozco, San Luis vs Tecos, Saturday 3 p.m. PT: Orozco went the distance in a 3-2 win over Pumas. While the young central defender won't have as tough a task against Tecos as he did with Pumas' potent offense, Tecos still features some tricky strikers. Sebastian Gonzalez could be a handful as he leads the club with five goals. San Luis is second in Group 3 and second in the overall table and has a good chance of finishing atop the league table. TV: Galavision

Jose Francisco Torres, Pachuca vs Monterrey, Saturday, 5 p.m. PT: Torres came on in the 79th minute of Pachuca's 2-1 loss at D.C. United in Wednesday's CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal. The lack of playing time midweek probably means Torres will make his fifth consecutive league start. The Texas native should play a role in central midfield again as he continues to make his mark on los Tuzos. Pachuca and Monterrey might combine for one of the week's best games as both clubs are hitting their respective strides. TV: Azteca America

Edgar Castillo; Santos vs Atlas, Sunday 2 p.m. PT: After missing the last two weeks due to injury, Castillo will be back in uniform for the crucial home tilt against Atlas. Castillo has not played since the first half of Santos' 1-1 draw at Pumas on March 23. Whether he starts or comes off the bench remains to be seen but Castillo should play a role in the match. Santos will try and maintain their four-point edge in Group 2 over Monterrey. TV: Azteca America.

Daniel Hernandez, Jaguares at Toluca, Sunday 10 a.m. PT: Hernandez saw his string of six consecutive 90-minute efforts snapped in a 2-1 loss to Cruz Azul last week. Hernandez and the defense did not play well as Cruz Azul had their way with Jaguares' backline. Hernandez, though, should return be in the starting lineup for the ninth consecutive time. The match is a critical one for both Jaguares and Toluca. Jaguares trail los Diablos Rojos in Group 1 by one point. TV: Univision

Sonny Guadarrama, Monarcas Morelia 1a. A vs. Tigres B, Saturday April 12, 1 p.m. PT: Guadarrama has played just three times for Morelia this season but is a regular with Monarcas' Primera A side. He's played 388 minutes over five games for Monarcas 1a. A side - including 90 minutes in last week's 2-0 loss to Tampico Madero - as opposed to 20 minutes with the first division side.

Sammy Ochoa, Tecos Primera A vs Tampico Madero, Saturday 2 p.m. PT: Ochoa has been a non-factor with Tecos UAG in the first division but he's a fairly reliable player for their second division side. Ochoa has logged 1,133 minutes and has six goals in 13 starts for Tecos' Primera A side. Ochoa played all 90 minutes and scored the lone goal in a 2-1 loss to Cruz Azul Hidalgo last week.

Jesus Padilla, Tapatio vs Cruz Azul Hidalgo, Saturday 10 a.m. PT: The San Jose, Calif., native has played 938 minutes for Tapatio this season, where he has spent the overwhelming majority of his time in 2008. Padilla scored his third goal of Tapatio's Primera A campaign in a 5-1 loss to Indios a week ago. Ironically, one of Padilla's few games for Chivas was against Cruz Azul, when he played four minutes against La Maquina on March 1.