It’s been a long time coming, but El Tri is finally undertaking a youth movement of sorts.
Mexico released its preliminary roster for this summer’s Copa América on Friday and the list is notable for its absences.
Among the names missing are five-time World Cup veteran goalie Guillermo Ochoa, forwards Raúl Jiménez and “Chucky” Lozano, and perennial left fullback Jesús Gallardo.
On the list of 31 are several uncapped youngsters including Pachuca fullback Bryan González, 21, Santos Laguna playmaker Jordan Carrillo, 22, and Mazatlán FC midfielder Andrés Montaño, 21.
El Tri will not lack for experience
The absence of Memo Ochoa made the splashiest headlines, especially as he has spoken of his desire to make a record sixth World Cup roster.
Ochoa played well for El Tri during the Nations League finals in March, but he was criticized for the first goal in Mexico's 2-0 loss to Team USA in the final and he is a far cry from the acrobatic goalie that starred for El Tri in Brazil 2014.
Coach Jaime Lozano put aside all sentimentality and asked Memo if he would be willing to be a back-up with El Tri. When the 38-year-old Ochoa declined, Lozano decided to leave him off the roster.
That means Mexico fans are likely to see heir apparent Luis Malagón (who replaced him at América) between the pipes this summer. Malagón, 27, will face competition from up-and-coming Chivas goalie Raúl Rangel, 24, and Pumas netminder Julio González, a late bloomer at 33.
El Tri vets part of the transition
Despite the youthfulness of the squad – average age just over 25 – there are still several seasoned players around to show the new kids the ropes.
Almería defender César Montes is 27 with 45 caps; West Ham midfielder Edson Álvarez is only 26, but he has 77 caps; AEK Athens midfielder is 28 with 68 caps; Dynamo Moscow midfielder Luis Chávez is 28 with30 caps; and, Monterrey midfielder Luis Romo is 28 with 44 caps and an Olympic bronze medal.
These veterans will be expected to get the new kids up to speed, and up to speed quickly because there will be a pair of tough tests before the Copa América kicks off.
After a May 31 contest against Bolivia in Chicago, Mexico will face Uruguay in Denver on June 5, followed by a game against Brazil on June 8 in College Station, Texas.
El Tri kicks off its Copa América schedule on June 22 against Jamaica in Houston.