Carlos Ochoa

Ever since Carlos Ochoa was first called up to the Mexican National team I never liked him. I considered Ochoa an also-ran that had no business wearing the Tricolor jersey. I even celebrated when Ochoa was dropped from the Mexican squad that would dispute the 02 World Cup.

Eight years have passed since my first encounter with the balding striker and while it was easy to pretend that he did not exist that has all changed. Not only was Ochoa once again called up to the Tricolor but he signed with my beloved Chivas de Guadalajara!

I would have thought that if Ochoa could not hack it as a youngster that at the ripe age of 30 he had no business representing the national team much less Chivas. Well, Ochoa has proven me wrong. As the old saying goes “Goles son Amores” and during the Interliga tourney Ochoa won many fans over by scoring four goals and helping Chivas qualify to the Copa Libertadores. Then on Chivas season opener, January 17th which is also my birthday, Ochoa started off in grand fashion scoring a double against Cruz Azul to finish the game with a 3-3 tie. I now have a new found appreciation for Ochoa.