World Cup: Mexico trims two from roster

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Javier Aguirre, coach of Mexico’s World Cup team, waited less than six hours after his team returned from its final U.S. friendly to make his latest round of roster cuts.

Friday evening the Mexican Soccer Federation sent out a brief release stating that defender Juan Carlos Valenzuela and midfielder Adrian Aldrete would not be accompanying the team to Europe following Sunday’s send-off game against Chile at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Both players were returned to their respective clubs, Valenzuela to Club America of Mexico City and Aldrete to Monarcas of Morelia.

Two days earlier, before Mexico finished its six-match U.S. tour with a 1-0 win over Angola in Houston, Aguirre said the roster trims would likely come after Sunday’s match.

Mexico is expected to have 24 players in its training camp in Europe, one above the World Cup limit. The final roster move must be made by June 1. Mexico’s roster currently consists of three goalkeepers, eight forwards, four midfielders and nine defensemen. In addition, striker Miguel Sabah, who was removed from the roster because of injury, is recuperating quicker than expected and could rejoin the team in Europe.

-- Kevin Baxter, reporting from Mexico City