OCHOA - 2004 U.S. Olympian ???????

[galaxyfan03]

In the latest issue of Soccer Digest, they list the top 21 players who they think could represent the US U-23s at the 2004 Olympics in Greece.

One of the names listed is none other than our own, Jesus Ochoa.

They mentioned that he hasn't made up his mind between playing for the USA or Mexico (I, honestly, thought he was born in Mexico, which would make him ineligible for the US, wouldn't it?).

They also compare him to Chris Armas, calling him a Chris Armas-like destroyer in defensive midfield. Funny....... if he was THAT good, wouldn't he be a regular in our lineup?? One would think so!! Perhaps, they were talking about him "potentially" being a Chris Armas type.

One interesting sidenote which they added that made a great deal of sense was how Ochoa choosing the USA could jump-start a wave of second-generation Americans playing for their adopted country and attract more support from Latin American fans.

Anybody have any further insight into this situation & whether or not Jesus has made up his mind?????

[profiled]

Originally posted by galaxyfan03
In the latest issue of Soccer Digest, they list the top 21 players who they think could represent the US U-23s at the 2004 Olympics in Greece.

One of the names listed is none other than our own, Jesus Ochoa.

They mentioned that he hasn't made up his mind between playing for the USA or Mexico (I, honestly, thought he was born in Mexico, which would make him ineligible for the US, wouldn't it?).

They also compare him to Chris Armas, calling him a Chris Armas-like destroyer in defensive midfield. Funny....... if he was THAT good, wouldn't he be a regular in our lineup?? One would think so!! Perhaps, they were talking about him "potentially" being a Chris Armas type.

One interesting sidenote which they added that made a great deal of sense was how Ochoa choosing the USA could jump-start a wave of second-generation Americans playing for their adopted country and attract more support from Latin American fans.

Anybody have any further insight into this situation & whether or not Jesus has made up his mind?????

He's been in the US for a long time, plenty of time to get citizenship papers, although I'm not sure if he has or not.

Chris Armas didn't appear ont he scene until he was 28 or 29, he was a galaxy player at one point (right?).

[rokstedy]

Originally posted by profiled
Chris Armas didn't appear ont he scene until he was 28 or 29, he was a galaxy player at one point (right?).

Indeed he was. Was with us since the inception of MLS until 1998 when he went to Chicago via expansion draft, I think.

[Elninho]

Ochoa is a US citizen, according to the Portland Timbers.

[DLite]

Galaxy website has his birthplace listed as Morelia, Mexico. I have not heard that he got his citizenship until Elninho posted it.

Even if he was born in Mexico, Jesus could play for the US Olympic team once he gets his US citizenship and a call up.

[The Cadaver]

Aside from the (legit) legal issue, I do think that Ochoa has the potential and skills to play a part in the Olympic team. Given his youth and relative lack of experience, he has shown an edge and an ability to read the game.

[PZ]

Carlos is his cousin? or are they related closer?

[TheSlipperyOne]

Check out the Junior Nats board for more on Olympic candidates. Hasn't been much talk about Ochoa's possibilities as there are quite a few other players that are 100% sure about playing for the US who have actually been getting a lot of playing time for their teams.

[Mr. Oz]

Jesus is a good DM and will eventually replace Vagenas. Very good potential here.