BY ADAM SERRANO
It appears that Miguel Ponce has chosen to join the Mexican national team, spurning the country of his birth in the process.
The left back for Chivas de Guadalajara was chosen for Mexico's preliminary squad for the Copa America.
Ponce has been a fixture for Chivas de Guadalajara backline since last season. Ponce's decision to join Mexico's squad is in line with Guadalajara's strict policy that states members of their team could only represent El Tri. Ponce was born in Sacramento, California, but stated last year in an interview with MLSsoccer.com that he identified more with the Mexican national team.
“I was born in America, but in my case my family is Mexican so I’m more Mexican than American,” said Ponce. “I’m proud to play for a team that I love, but if Mexico or the US call me and I need to play for a [national] team, then I will have to see what I can do. I just need to wait and see.”
The Mexico squad for the Copa America will be trimmed on June 27th. The South American tournament runs from July 1st to July 24th.