David Ochoa Hints At Joining Mexican National Team Over USMNT
Jul 13, 2021, 4:50 PM
David Ochoa goalkeeper #20 of United States gives instructions to his players during the match between Mexico and USA as part of the 2020 Concacaf Men's Olympic Qualifying at Jalisco Stadium on March 24, 2021 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images)
(Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake goalkeeper David Ochoa has returned from his week training with the Mexican National Team and a recent social media post suggests that he thoroughly enjoyed his time.
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Mexico or U.S.A?
Ochoa, 20, is currently in the midst of deciding what country to represent. Both of his parents are Mexican, however, he was born in Oxnard, California which allows him to choose between the U.S. and Mexican National Teams.
At the end of May, Ochoa was called into his first USMNT camp by manager Gregg Berhalter. He was involved in a friendly against Switzerland, was on the bench for the Nations League semi-final and final, and enjoyed a friendly fixture against Costa Rica at Rio Tinto Stadium to round out his camp.
However, during those four games, Ochoa was the only member of the 23-player roster to not see any playing time throughout the camp. He was the third-choice keeper behind Zack Steffen and Ethan Horvath.
When Ochoa returned to Real Salt Lake, he was quoted saying that he was “disappointed” not to see any minutes throughout the camp. He continued to admit that he felt he was capable of performing at that level and that he “held his own” against his fellow goalkeeper teammates and competition.
Ochoa then had the opportunity to train with the Mexican National Team as they prepared for their Gold Cup campaign that begun last Saturday, July 10, with a 0-0 draw with Trinidad & Tobago.
His recent Instagram post suggests that he enjoyed his time with El Tri. So much so that his future may lie with the Mexico National Team and not the U.S. National Team.
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Currently, the Mexico National Team has a more appealing future for Ochoa as it relates directly to the goalkeeper position. El Tri legend Memo Ochoa is still the number one choice goalkeeper, however, he turns 36 today.
Whereas, the United States considers Zack Steffen as their number one choice goalkeeper. Steffen, 26, currently acts as the backup for Premier League champions Manchester City and has his best soccer still ahead of him. It seems as though that Steffen will be at the helm for the USMNT for the foreseeable future.
Next Match
RSL and Ochoa return to the pitch this upcoming Saturday with a road trip booked for Banc of California Stadium when RSL takes on LAFC at 8:30 p.m. on July 17.
The match will be available to stream via the KSL Sports & KSL 5 TV apps or on KSL Sports dot com.
