Each and every passing day, it seems the Xoloitzcuintles are destined to become the Western Hemisphere's version of Fulhamerica. For those unfamiliar with the term, Fulhamerica was a two-year span that saw 5 Americans on Fulham's first team in the English Premiership.
With the Xoloitzcuintles new signing of former US U-17 team member Alejandro Guido, the Yank count at Tijuana is now at 6. Guido joins Stevie Rodriguez, a teammate on the US U-17's, who left the Chivas USA academy late last year for a chance in Tijuana. Also there is Bryan de La Fuente
, who also departed from Chivas USA when his contract wasn't renewed during the offseason.
The Bell, California native also saw time with the US U-20's in 2010 and 2011. Then there is current US U-23 pool player Greg Garza who has seen 1st team minutes with the Xoloitzcuintles this year in substitution appearances. And finally there are the Xoloitzcuintles two first team regulars in Edgar Castillo of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Joe Benny Corona who made the US U-23 squad that will try to earn an Olympic berth for this summer's London games.
While there is no guarantee that all 6 Yanks will EVER see the playing field at Estadio Caliente at the same time, the fact that such a large number of Mexican-American players are ending up there is something that we, as US Soccer supporters, should be paying more attention to. All 6 players have shown that playing for Mexico or wanting to play for Mexico at the national level is by no means a requirement to sign with a club in Mexico's Primera Division and that the MLS isn't the only option for young Americans to ply their trade.
Should we be wary that soon enough more Southern California natives might start bypassing college and MLS to make their way south too?
Share your thoughts and opinions on the new wave of Americans to land at Club Tijuana!
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