Fabian in Mexico squad for US friendly
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Cruz Azul midfielder Marco Fabian was among 18 players summoned by Mexico on Thursday for a friendly against the United States next week.
Fabian helped Mexico win the gold medal in the London Olympics but has not played for Mexico since August, when he received 13 minutes against Ivory Coast in a friendly.
His six goals in 11 matches in the Clausura for league leader Cruz Azul have been enough to convince national coach Miguel Herrera.
"I*m very happy about this because it gives me a great opportunity to show my potential," Fabian said. "It's important not only because of this match, but because it's a chance to stay on the team for the World Cup."
Mexico meets the U.S. on Wednesday in Glendale, Arizona.
Herrera also chose Cruz Azul left back Rogelio Chavez for the first time.
"I do not know what it means to play for the national team, it's something that I never imagined," Chavez said. "I know that it's now or never for me, so I will die on the pitch to win a spot for the World Cup."
Cruz Azul goalkeeper Jesus Corona, a regular in the World Cup qualifiers, was left out because the club plays Tijuana in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals on the same night.
Also, striker Oribe Peralta, another regular in the qualifiers, asked not to play because of unspecified personal issues.
Mexico's squad has seven players from America, Herrera's former team.
Leon has three, among them captain Rafael Marquez.
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Mexico:
Goalkeepers: Alfredo Talavera (Toluca), Moises Munoz (America).
Defenders: Paul Aguilar (America), Miguel Layun (America), Miguel Angel Ponce (Toluca), Francisco Javier Rodriguez (America), Juan Carlos Valenzuela (America), Rogelio Chavez (Cruz Azul), Rafael Marquez (Leon), Enrique Perez (Atlas).
Midfielders: Jesus Zavala (Monterrey), Juan Carlos Medina (America), Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul), Carlos Pena (Leon), Luis Montes (Leon).
Forwards: Isaac Brizuela (Toluca), Alan Pulido (Tigres), Raul Jimenez (America).
