CARSON, Calif. - Chivas USA's Francisco Mendoza may soon get an historic call.
According to a report in the Mexican daily Mural, Mexican national team coach Hugo Sanchez is considering calling up Mendoza for Mexico's Oct. 17 friendly against Guatemala at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Mendoza, 22, would join a select group of players such as Giovani Dos Santos and Nery Castillo as Mexicans who have played for El Tricolor without having ever played in Mexico's Primera Division.
Still, Mendoza is not exactly buying tickets for family and friends to see him defend Mexico's colors.
"I read about that and I heard Hugo mention my name but I don't want to get ahead of myself and think about what might happen before anything concrete is set," Mendoza said.
A native of the soccer hotbed of El Salto, Jalisco, Mendoza is one of three remaining players from Chivas USA's first season. Mendoza, who picked up his fourth assist of the season in Saturday's 2-1 win against Kansas City, has worn the Chivas USA shirt more than any other player in the club's three-year history. Mendoza has played in 80 games for the Red-and-White and has distinguished himself during that span.
A call to the national team would be a fitting way to introduce himself to many of his countrymen, Chivas USA captain Claudio Suarez said.
"In Mexico, people don't know him. They don't know who Panchito is," Suarez said. "He's made his career here and he's more well-known here. ... Hopefully he'll get a chance with the national team to prove that he's a great player."
According to the report, Mexico coach Sanchez has spoken well of Mendoza and has scouted the left-sided midfielder for a couple of months. If accurate, Sanchez did well to follow the youngster at the opportune time of the year.
Mendoza has been a key part of the midfield resurgence at Chivas USA. Early in the season, the midfield struggled to piece together much offense in support of forwards Ante Razov and Maykel Galindo. Now, Mendoza and his midfield teammates have become an integral part of the club's attack. Mendoza has scored both of his goals this season in the last month as he scored in each of Chivas USA's 3-0 victories over the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Suarez said Mendoza deserves a call.
"If not now, when? He's 22 years old and he's shown he can compete at a high level," said Suarez, who is Mexico's most-capped player ever.
Mendoza would become the third Chivas USA player to receive a call to the Mexican national team. Juan Pablo Garcia joined Chivas USA before he played in the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup while Suarez made Mexico's 2006 World Cup team several months into his first season in MLS. Additionally, Francisco Palencia was called up to the national team after leaving Chivas USA for Mexican side Pumas UNAM.
Having experienced time with the Mexican national team while a part of Chivas USA, Suarez said he has felt some of the backlash against MLS from Mexican supporters.
"The problem is that many underestimate MLS," Suarez said. "In reality, very few Mexicans have come here and done well. Panchito has done that. He's one of the founding players at this club and has developed well. He's at the right age to participate with the national team."
Nonetheless, the only eyes who count when it comes to the national team are not of supporters but those with the Mexican federation. And their gaze is reportedly on Chivas USA's standout midfielder.
According to the report, Chivas de Guadalajara vice president Nestor De la Torre said Mendoza joining Mexico "is not yet confirmed but is something we have discussed with people at the federation."
Playing for the Mexican national team has long been a goal of Mendoza's, and to have it seemingly within sights makes him happy, he said.
"That is something I am working for, that if I do get the opportunity I will be well prepared," Mendoza said. "(I am) enthused and motivated, really. I'd work twice as hard to keep improving."
Luis Bueno is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
