Tijuana Xolos: Alejandro Guido, Rubio Rubin Get Call To USMNT
Credit: Liga MX
The United States national team is currently living a transitional phase after failing to qualify to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in disastrous fashion. The team is looking for new blood rather than continuing to rely on the fan-favorites that led this team to the worst national sports crisis in years.
Alejandro Guido and Rubio Rubin of Club Tijuana are part of this new wave of younger players and received a call to the USMNT. David Sarachan’s team will take on Bolivia, Ireland, and France in three friendly matches leading up to the World Cup, that the U.S. will not take part in.
In fact, the only team that will play in the next World Cup that the American side will be facing in these friendlies is France. Still, these games should be very competitive and the Xolos’ players should be able to get some minutes throughout the encounters.
Alejandro Guido has played his entire professional career with the Xoloitzcuintles, dating back to 2012. This is the first time the San Diego native has been called up to the United States national team and it is great to see, given some struggles throughout the year.
The 24-year-old played in 11 games this season, and even started three games, but really never found his grove after an incident in Veracruz. Guido suffered from anxiety and panic attacks, according to his manager Diego Cocca. The call to the national team could be a massive confidence boost for Guido to get back on track and come back strong for the Xolos next season.
Rubio Rubin was playing in his first-ever Liga MX season and was solid as he managed to score a goal in just seven games. The American forward became a trustworthy option for Diego Cocca off the bench and could potentially play a much more important role for the border city side next season. The 22-year-old Oregon native already has six caps to his name for the USMNT and will look to continue to be on the team’s radar.
Ok, let's try again…we see you, @RubioRubin and @aeguido. #GoXolos #WeAreSoccer #USMNT https://t.co/fUWsU3zJuq
— Xolos (@xolos_en) May 20, 2018
The other American player on Xolos’ roster, Michael Orozco, did miss out on the call-up, but Joe Corona, who is currently on loan at Club America from Club Tijuana, did make the squad.
Proud to represent 🇺🇸 💪 https://t.co/IdngTFPPJk
— Alejandro Guido (@aeguido) May 20, 2018
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.