Mexico turns to youth for push toward Beijing

Mexico soccer Coach Hugo Sanchez announced Friday his team’s roster for when it plays Colombia on Wednesday in Commerce City, Colo.

The roster is made up of mostly young players from the Mexican league.

Sanchez and the Mexican soccer federation, beginning with Wednesday’s game against Colombia, are starting preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Mexico has four games in the next two months and during that time the team will have a decidedly young roster.

Sanchez called on nine players from last month’s Under-20 World Cup roster and two players from the Pan American Games roster.

Some of the notable players include Adrian Aldrete, Patricio Araujo, Omar Esparza, Ever Guzman and Cesar Villaluz -- all of whom played key roles on Mexico’s team that won the Under-17 World Cup championship in 2005.

The roster isn’t without veteran leadership. Midfielders Gerardo Torrado and Jaime Correa, defender Johnny Magallon, forwards Omar Bravo and Luis Angels Landin and goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa were part of the Copa America roster. Mexico finished third in that tournament.

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