Talent Scout: Francisco Ochoa

June 27th, 2007 by SM Dev (ste)

At the start of 2004, America’s then manager, Leo Beenhakker, dropped in on a game between two of the clubs youth teams, and was so impressed with Ochoa’s assured display, that he immediately informed the youngster: “You’re with the first team from now on.” Ochoa got his break a few weeks later, when Adolfo Rios got injured. At the tender age of 18, Ochoa made his first team debut on 15 February, in the Clausura tournament against Monterrey.

When Rios returned from injury, Ochoa had to compete with him for the No1 jersey. Both keepers shared responsibility in goal for the rest of the Clausura, and at the end of the season, Rios hung up his boots. Observers believed that Ochoa would start as first choice for the Apertura 2004 season, but new manager Oscar Ruggerio brought new goalkeepers with him. This resulted in Ochoa being confined to the bench. Ruggeri was fired six games into the Apertura 2004 season, and his replacement, Mario Carrillo, reinstated the young stopper.

After being reinstated as first choice, Ochoa has not looked back, making the keeper’s shirt his own. He played a major part in America’s 2005 Clausura championship win, and 28-game unbeaten run during both the Apertura and Clausura championships, securing cult status from the club’s fans.Ochoa capped off a remarkable year by making his debut for Mexico against Hungary, on 14 December, 2005. Prior to that, Ochoa was included in Mexico’s Under-23 squad that participated at the 2004 Olympics, in Athens. He was also picked for the CONCACAF 2005 Gold Cup, but failed to play in either tournament.

Ochoa was selected by Argentine coach, Ricardo La Volpe, for the Mexican squad at the 2006 World Cup. With Oswaldo Sanchez, and Jose de Jesus Corona also in Lavolpe’s squad, Ochoa was viewed as the third choice goalkeeper, and failed to start any matches.

Even thought he has made some major strides in recent seasons, he has been held back at national level by Oswaldo Sanchez. The promising goalkeeper is likely to replace him in the future as number one, as he has shown maturity beyond his years, with his sharp reflexes, and man of the match displays.

He is currently a 90 rated GK on the game, and if he continues progresses as many believe he will, there is no reason why he wont become a 90+ stopper.

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