GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Kevin Huezo has already scored two match-winning goals for Pachuca’s Under-20s side this season and has his eyes firmly fixed on making the first team next season.
“I’ve scored two goals in four games, so it’s going good,” the Southern California native (above at right) told MLSsoccer.com last week. “I hope to be on the first team next year; I train with them constantly.”
Club-mate and compatriot José Francisco Torres has been a big help to the 20-year-old Huezo in adapting to life at Pachuca. Like Torres, Huezo joined los Tuzos after completing high school up north.
“He’s a really great guy and he helps me around and gives me advice,” said Huezo, whose parents are both from Guadalajara. “He’s a great player, too.”
The youth system at Pachuca has undergone big changes recently, with former Chivas USA coach Hans Westerhof taking over youth development in early June.
“They changed up a lot of stuff and it’s favoring the team,” said Huezo. “It’s great; they are great.”
Westerhof also had some positive words to say about Huezo, describing his main weapons as being his speed and work ethic.
The left winger from Santa Ana, Calif. — who says Argentine international Ángel di María is the player he most enjoys watching — was last involved in the US national-team setup in September 2010, when the U-20s trained and played in Arequipa, Peru.
“I haven’t been called up since,” laughed Huezo with a rueful smile.
It’s a big few months for Huezo as he moves out of the U-20 age group at Pachuca and looks to catch the eye of US national-team selectors.
Tom Marshall can be reached at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com or via Twitter: @mexicoworldcup
