Feb. 18, 2007 MENDOZA DREAMS OF MORE Club and country, goals are set high
By Andrea Canales, LASoccerNews.com Associate Editor
Francisco Mendoza cemented a starting spot in the Chivas USA midfield last season, when the squad made the playoffs for the first time. Linda Cuttone, SportsVue Images
It might be that one of the most successful Mexican players in Major League Soccer was also the most unheralded upon his arrival.
Francisco "Panchito" Mendoza started off in Chivas USA’s inaugural year as a non-descript, pint-sized hopeful, one of several players brought over from the reserve squad of Chivas in Guadalajara. Of that group, Isaac Romo was considered the most likely prospect to break out in the American league.
Instead, it was the undersized Mendoza, fearless with the ball at his feet, who adjusted the best to the physical play of the league. He survived an unprecedented roster turnover the next year and secured a regular starting spot for Chivas USA with sparkling play that brought him notice on both sides of the border.
For Mendoza, it was a continuation of his quest to prove himself, again and again, on a higher stage than before, no matter the long odds or the many doubters.
The journey began back in Mexico, when he was only twelve.
“I belonged to a team from my hometown of Salto,” recounted Mendoza. “We played against other youth teams from bigger squads, like Atlas and Chivas (Guadalajara). Then I was invited to the Copa Chivas tournament, and that was basically my tryout. I did well there, and they offered me a youth spot. That’s basically my journey – a small town boy to professional player.”
It wasn’t smooth sailing the entire way, though Mendoza started out with great promise.
“I was with the (Guadalajara) youth squads, passing to the third level, then the second, then the first. Then I went to Europe, to Ajax, for training and a trial. Ajax was interested in me and wanted me to transfer there, but Chivas set a high price for me. Chivas told me they were planning opportunities for me with their team, that I’d debut soon with the team. I did, in the Copa Merconorte, against the Uruguayan club Penarol, when I was still only fifteen.”
The high of that accomplishment faded, however.
“After that, things went badly for me,” recalled Mendoza. “I was injured and the club switched coaches. There wasn’t the same interest in developing me, and I think it was because I was considered too small to impact a game.”
Mendoza couldn’t help lamenting how close he had come to a career abroad.
“I trained in Holland for two months. They had 25 players there from all over the world, and they picked only two to stay – me and a player from South Africa. After that we had to return, and they wanted to buy my contract, but the price Chivas set was too high. Next, Borussia Dortmund wanted me, but Chivas wouldn’t let me go. I was disappointed, especially when I just kept training and training. I’d think, ‘Why didn’t they sell me? They’re not using me here.’”
Frustration made the move to the United States easier, where Mendoza saw a fresh start as a possible solution.
“I decided to take a chance when the opportunity opened up here in the United States,” said Mendoza. “I wanted to show my qualities and prove that I was capable.”
Though at times homesickness was harder to fight than the defenders of MLS, the young player persevered. Even against MLS’ tough, athletic players, Mendoza learned to make his speed and guile work for him, becoming an effective, creative winger for Chivas USA.
“Things are going well for me here and I’m very grateful for the opportunities the organization here has given me,” said Mendoza.
In light of how few other players in Chivas USA’s first year were able to adjust to the rigors of MLS, Mendoza disagreed with the theory that the league was far easier than that of Mexico.
“No, it’s not easy,” Mendoza insisted. “I want to make that clear – more than anything for the Mexican people who still think the soccer here is at a low level. Honestly, let me tell them from having played there and here for two years now - it’s a good level.”
The midfielder detailed characteristics of league play.
“It’s very strong, physical and it’s growing technically. That’s probably where it still can grow compared to Mexico, but still, most people aren’t aware of how good it has gotten. MLS is very strong and competitive. It’s advancing a lot, and I really mean that.”
In fact, Mendoza was hoping that his experience with MLS would perhaps revive the European possibilities he once had.
“Actually, one reason I stayed in MLS is because I am hoping to go to Europe,” explained Mendoza, who was well aware of the MLS players, like Clint Dempsey, who had recently made the leap abroad.
“If that doesn’t work out, then perhaps I’d like to join one of Mexico’s big clubs,” Mendoza added. “More than anything, my ultimate dream is to play for the national team. I’m not sure if that’s going to be possible while I play here, but I would love it.”
In many ways, Mendoza is a versatile personality, which is almost a requirement for a Chivas USA player now learning from his fourth coach in only his third year of MLS play.
“Yes, but I’ve learned from each coach,” pointed out Mendoza. “Thomas (Rongen), Hans (Westerhof), and Bob (Bradley. Each one has his own style, and each one has shown me different things. They all have their own ideas, and they all have something to teach me. I try to look for the positives I can take from each one. They’ve all been good people, good coaches. Preki is a great guy and he talks to his players and he understands us. That’s important for us this season.”
As he took part in the opening ceremonies for Chivas USA’s open tryouts, Mendoza said he would be glad to welcome the winning finalist to the squad.
“I had the same dreams,” Mendoza noted. “I’ve been lucky enough that a lot of them have come true.”
The next ones on the list may be around the corner.
