MEXICO's New Faces

The United States has played Mexico eight times in the last four years, but the Americans won't recognize a handful of reinforcements brought in by Coach Ricardo Lavolpe.

By Mike Woitalla

ANTONIO "SINHA" NAELSON (Toluca). The 28-year-old Sao Paulo native arrived in Mexico in 1999 and after one season moved from Monterrey to Toluca. He became a Mexican citizen on the eve of the 2004 Olympics and filled one of the team's over-age spots. A poll by Reforma found that three out of five Mexicans disapproved of foreign-born players wearing the Tri jersey, but Sinha, an explosive dribbler, has claimed its playmaking role.

JAIME LOZANO (Pumas). The 25-year-old left-sided midfielder practices free kicks for an hour each day, which was evident from his beauty to open the scoring in Mexico's 2-1 win over Costa Rica in its Hexagonal opener. It was Mexico's first goal in Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying since 1957. "Jimmy" followed up with a diving header goal, giving him 10 goals in Mexico's nine qualifiers. He was a key to Pumas' back-to-back titles (Apertura 2004, Clausura 2004).

FRANCISCO FONSECA (Cruz Azul). The only Mexican among the top 10 scorers in the Mexican league, 25-year-old "El Kikin" helped UNAM Pumas to their two league titles in 2004 before leaving for Cruz Azul. Two goals in his Tri debut in an October friendly against Ecuador earned him a starting role in Mexico's next three qualifiers, and he scored four goals in two wins over St. Kitts & Nevis in November.

HUGO SANCHEZ (Tigres). Not a forward like his legendary namesake, this Hugo Sanchez, 23, is a defender who has brought more speed to the Tri's backline. He debuted with Tigres, his hometown team, at age 19 and was a starter by the time they finished runner-up to Pachuca in the Apertura 2003.