Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Arias effect on Orozco?

Michael Orozco, up-and-coming US national team prospect, went down to Mexico after completing high school here in the US, to pursue his fortunes with Necaxa. He didn't spend much time there as he eventually landed on and came up with San Luis, the only Mexican club with whom he's seen first-division action.

Orozco followed Raul Arias to San Luis. It was Arias, after all, who brought Orozco in when he was at Necaxa. But the longtime Rayos coach left and headed for a chance with San Luis, and he eventually brought the young American over with him, groomed him and placed him in the center of the defense at San Luis.

Success followed Orozco as the Orange, Calif., native played for the United States in the Olympic qualifying tournament, then the Olympics followed by the senior national team. He also helped San Luis to the best regular-season record in the Apertura 2008 season.

Now, however, Orozco's club future is as uncertain as it has ever been. Arias has left San Luis to take over his old job with Necaxa. Los Rayos finished at the other end of the table in Mexico, having won just once last season.

Orozco is staying put. His name hasn't been linked to any club, neither in nor outside of Mexico. But Orozco will need to prove himself to a new coach, though. He needs to show his worth to maintain the starting spot he struggled to recapture upon returning from the Olympics.

And if he does choose to leave San Luis for another Mexican club, it seems Necaxa would have a great chance of landing his services.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Luis what are his chances of coming back to the USA, and maybe playing for Chivas USA!