Heading down the home stretch in Mexico's Primera Division, the American-born contingent figures to play important roles for their respective clubs, all of whom are very much in contention for the league title or at the very least a playoff spot. There will be one glaring absence, though, as one of the young Americans picked up a red card a week ago.
Michael Orozco, San Luis at Morelia, Saturday 5 p.m. PT: Orozco and San Luis had a strange game a week ago. Orozco's backline kept Tecos off the scoresheet but a fluke goal kept San Luis from picking up the full three points as the match finished 1-1. Still, San Luis is three points off Chivas in Group 3 as well as the overall league table. In Morelia, Orozco will face one of the least difficult tests of the season. Morelia is already eliminated and has scored a league-low eight goals through 14 weeks. TV: Azteca America.
Jose Francisco Torres, Pachuca at Puebla, Sunday 10 a.m. PT: Torres' match a week ago was memorable for several reasons. He had an assist as he sent a nice cross into the box off a corner kick. But he also picked up a red card and as such will not play against Puebla. Torres will likely then be well-rested for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, slated for Wednesday in Saprissa. Given his recent form and playing time, it is unlikely for Torres to miss more than Sunday's match. TV: Fox Sports Espanol.
Edgar Castillo, Santos vs Necaxa, Sunday 2 p.m. PT: Back after missing several weeks, Castillo returned in time for a 6-1 drubbing of Atlas. Against Necaxa on Sunday, Castillo's Santos side still has an outside shot of finishing atop the overall league table. Necaxa is not in a comfortable position as Los Rayos need points to have any shot of la Liguilla. TV: Azteca America.
Daniel Hernandez, Jaguares vs Veracruz, Saturday 3 p.m. PT: Hernandez was a rare omission from Jaguares' match in Toluca on Sunday. After playing in eight consecutive matches, Hernandez did not start the match. It is unclear why the Texas native was not part of the club's match, but Hernandez is expected to play against Veracruz on Saturday. Jaguares need points to keep up with Toluca as, along with Pachuca, the Group 1 race is wide open. TV: Azteca America.
Sonny Guadarrama, Monarcas 1a. A at Coatzacoalcos, Saturday 2 p.m. PT: Guadarrama's chances of playing for the first team are presumably as high as they could be. Guadarrama is a regular with the second division side and Morelia's top-flight team is already eliminated, so a youth movement could follow. For now, Guadarrama will focus on the Primera A and Coatzacoalcos.
Sammy Ochoa, Tecos Primera A vs Tigres B, Sunday, 2 p.m. PT. Ochoa's play might merit a call to the first division. Ochoa scored another goal in last week's match and now has seven in 14 games this season.
Jesus Padilla, Tapatio at Tampico Madero, Saturday 7 p.m. PT. Padilla will likely spend the rest of the season with Tapatio, barring injury. At least he got a trip to Bolivia this week, though, as he traveled with Chivas for their midweek Copa Libertadores match.
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