Xolos might once again have themselves an American on their roster.
On Friday, Tijuana manager Ruben Amaro Romano announced that the club had signed center-back Michael Orozco. In an article posted by ESPN.com.mx’s Mac Resendiz, Romano said “Yes, it is already with us. It is permanent transfer, purchase by us.” As of this morning neither Tijuana nor Orozco has confirmed that this move is official.
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Orozco, 29, has been on loan with Puebla for the past two seasons. He made over 57 appearances with the club and was a frequent starter in both the Apertura and Clausura over the past two seasons. Orozco has also spent time with Tijuana in the past, making 15 appearances with Xolos while on loan from San Luis in 2013. He has also played with the Philadelphia Union during his seven year professional career.
Tijuana finished in 11th place (7-3-7, 24 points) in the 2015 Clausura. Adding Orozco should help a defense that allowed 18 goals in the Clausura, which was second-highest among all teams. The club has been a home for many USMNT players, including Joe Corona and Greg Garza. There are currently three other Americans on the roster: Paul Arriola (who just finished up USMNT U-20 duty,) Alejandro Guido (USMNT U-23 player,) and Esteban Rodriguez (former Chivas USA Academy player).
A spot player for the United States Men’s National Team, Orozco has always found himself on the periphery of U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s roster. He has made over 15 appearances for the USMNT since his debut in October 2008 against Trinidad and Tobago. He is perhaps best known for his goal against Mexico in a 2012 friendly. Orozco’s goal helped lead the USMNT to their first -ever victory on Mexican soil and is considered to be one of their biggest victories against El Tri.
The interesting question is if this move improves Orozco’s chances at becoming a regular fixture for the USMNT. He is on the preliminary roster for the 2015 Gold Cup and there seems to be an open spot for him. Klinsmann left John Anthony Brooks off of the roster which opened up a spot for the likes of Orozco, Matt Besler, Omar Gonzalez and Ventura Alvarado.
There is also the chance that Orozco’s move might hurt his chances at making the USMNT roster for the Gold Cup. Klinsmann has in the past left players off of national team rosters when they are about to join a new club team. For example, forward Bobby Wood was left off of the preliminary Gold Cup roster after his recent move to Stuttgart. Klinsmann’s must perform a balancing act between doing what’s best for the club, the country, and the player. That can be a difficult path to navigate at times and there is not really best practice method.
Nonetheless, Orozco seems to be making a good decision for his career. Even if he does not make the Gold Cup roster he will have better opportunities at Tijuana. At 29 he still has plenty of value as a defender and could still find himself in the conversation for appearances for the USMNT during World Cup qualification.