Mexico: Lapuente brings Olympic team to U.S.

Mexican national team coach is bringing his U-23 team to California for international matches against Iran Jan. 9 on Oakland and Guatemala Jan. 12 in Los Angeles. Among the players is Juan Pablo Rodriguez, who was signed by the San Jose Clash but never played for the MLS club and is now a star at Atlas. Four Atlas players head the squad. Here’s the roster: Goalkeeper: Christian Martinez (Club America); Adrian Zermeno (Cruz Azul Hidalgo). Defenders: Julio Estrada (Atlas); Mario Mendez (Atlas); Ignacio Hierro (Club America); Carlos Morales (Morelia); Joaqufn Beltran (UNAM); Hector Altamirano (Santos). Midfielders: Gerardo Torrado (UNAM); Jonathan Martfnez (Club America); Juan Pablo Rodriguez (Atlas); Alvaro Ortiz (Guadalajara). Strikers: Cesareo Victorino (Pachuca); Oscar Mascorro (Neza); Jesus Mendoza (Guadalajara); Daniel Osorno (Atlas); Emilio Mora (Morelia).