Ochoa, Jimenez recalled to Mexico squad for friendlies

Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has called up veterans Guillermo Ochoa, Raul Jimenez and Andres Guardado for friendlies against Valencia and the United States later this month. 39-year-old goalkeeper Ochoa and forward Jimenez, 33, have not represented El Tri since March, having been overlooked for the Copa America in June and July. The matches will mark the international farewell of 38-year-old midfielder Guardado, who announced his retirement from Mexico's national team in May last year. Aguirre also included uncapped 19-year-old midfielder Obed Vargas, who has had an impressive season with the Seattle Sounders. Absent were Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, PSV Eindhoven winger Hirving Lozano and Dynamo Moscow midfielder Luis Chavez, all of whom are injured. Mexico will face Spanish club Valencia in Puebla on October 12 and the United States in Guadalajara three days later. Mexico squad: Goalkeepers: Luis Malagon (America), Guillermo Ochoa (AVS), Raul Rangel (Chivas) Defenders: Rodrigo Huescas (FC C openhagen), Jorge Sanchez (Cruz Azul), Jesus Orozco (Chivas), Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow), Johan Vasquez (Genoa), Jesus Angulo (Tigres), Bryan Gonzalez (Pachuca) Midfielders: Edson Alvarez (West Ham United), Luis Romo (Cruz Azul), Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders), Marcel Ruiz (Toluca), Carlos Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Andres Guardado (Leon), Sebastian Cordova (Tigres), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Atenas) Forwards: Diego Lainez (Tigres), Roberto Alvarado (Chivas), Ozziel Herrera (Tigres), German Berterame (Monterrey), Cesar Huerta (Pumas), Alexis Vega (Toluca), Guillermo Martinez (Pumas), Raul Jimenez (Fulham), Henry Martin (America). Source: The Namibia News Agency