Tijuana Xolos: Rubio Rubin Called Up For USMNT Squad to Face Paraguay
One of the more intriguing players the Tijuana Xolos picked up this transfer window was Rubio Rubin.
The American forward had been playing professionally since 2014, but his career had been in Europe up until this year.
The 22-year-old journeyman played in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway before arriving in the border city in early February. Rubin has not made much of an impact yet as he has only played in three Liga MX games and failed to do much in the CONCACAF Champions League.
Despite this, the Oregon native received a call-up to the United States men’s national team to face Paraguay on March 27.
The team with the stripes and the stars will take on the South American nation at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. The game should be entertaining despite being between two teams that failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
It could also be a solid opportunity for Rubio Rubin to get back onto the national team radar more consistently if he provides an impressive performance.
.@RubioRubin named to @ussoccer_mnt roster for friendly vs. @Albirroja. Nice job! #GoXolos #WeAreSoccer #FuerzaTijuas #USMNT pic.twitter.com/2mCNNkYj6z
— Xolos (@xolos_en) March 18, 2018
At one point in his career, Rubin was considered an up and coming prospect for the USMNT, but he has tailed off a bit since then. The forward of Mexican and Guatemalan descent has four caps to his name with the United States and received his first one when he was just 18 years old in 2014. The current Xoloitzcuintles’ forward played 67 minutes in that clash against Colombia, but failed to score. Rubin has does not have any goals for the USMNT yet and will be looking for his first against Paraguay.
The 22-year-old is among other current and former Xolos’ players that have represented the United States men’s national team. This includes Michael Orozco, Joe Corona, Paul Arriola, Greg Garza, Edgar Castillo, and Herculez Gomez. The current Xolos’ squad also features players that could potentially be called up to represent the USMNT in the future like Alejandro Guido and Fernando David Arce. Both have represented the U.S. at the youth level and are looking for that first call-up to the senior team.
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.