Michel Over Memo?

It was the 35th minute of the Mexican League Super Clasico and Omar “Pina” Arellano had just sprinted past Oscar Rojas and Israel “Jagger” Martinez leaving only Memo Ochoa to beat. The America 'keeper lunged forward, closed his eyes, and in his move of desperation gave the speedy Arellano the only opening he needed to score the match winner. It would be the third straight mistake for Ochoa in just as many weeks.

While Ochoa faltered at the other side of the field stood Luis Michel who in recent weeks has made a strong bid for the Tricolors starting spot.

This time around the Super Clasico was not just a match between America and Chivas - it was also an opportunity for both Michel and Ochoa to make one last statement. This was the last match of the season for both 'keepers who have since reported to the Mexican national team’s training camp.

Ochoa’s performance, despite having only made one mistake, did not do much to quell the recent string of critique he has been receiving by the sensationalist Mexican media. Michel, whose heroics helped Chivas win the match by one-nil, on the other hand only strengthened his challenge for the Tricolor starting spot.

In past World Cup campaigns the goalkeeping issue for Mexico has rarely presented much of a challenge. There has usually been one keeper that has stood above the rest. Jorge Campos, with his flashy uniforms and over the top dives, was clearly the best Mexican keeper heading into the USA 94 World Cup. His experience then helped el “Brody” repeat as starting keeper in France 98.

Heading into the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup there was no question that Oscar “Conejo” Perez had earned the right to guard the Tricolor posts. Perez whose spectacular form helped Cruz Azul reach the (01) Copa Libertadores final also played an important role in helping a faltering Mexico qualify to the World Cup.

And then there was Oswaldo Sanchez who had sat through two World Cups (98/02) as the substitute 'keeper finally managed to win the starting spot for Germany 06. Oswaldo’s performance with Chivas, who he helped win a league title, had earned him Sainthood status from the club’s fans. Not an easy task considering that Oswaldo had previously played for Chivas fiercest rivals; Atlas and America.

Oswaldo initiated the Tricolor’s recent World Cup campaign under the shadow of the emerging Ochoa who appeared to be the natural successor. While Oswaldo was determined to play in South Africa his poor form and the change in national team coach led to Memo finally getting the start. With Oswaldo out of the way no one expected Ochoa to have any serious rival at the posts. Jose de Jesus Corona despite his good performances seemed more apt as the substitute keeper. All was well for Memo until Michel showed up.

The same Michel that made Chivas fans forget about “Saint Oswaldo” is now threatening to bench Ochoa. Now, even Perez has returned although he is expected to be nothing more than suitable back up. The question that now remains is if Michel is good enough to replace Ochoa.

Ochoa's charisma and last-ditch acrobatics have made him into one of the most popular players in the Tricolor after stepping into the spotlight at a young age. The Aguilas goalkeeper debuted at 18 years of age, in the 2004 Clausura Tournament, as then-coach Leo Beenhakker had complete faith in the upstart to replace the injured Adolfo Rios. Ochoa did not disappoint and in the tournaments that followed quickly established himself as one of Mexico’s top goalkeepers eventually earning a spot in Mexico’s 2006 World Cup squad.

Michel on the other hand waited many years to prove his worth. By the time Michel, who is six years older than Memo, managed to win the starting spot at Chivas, the America keeper already had two seasons under his belt. Michel was not even contemplated as a top prospect at Guadalajara where he was the third choice keeper behind Alfredo Talavera and in danger of being relegated to fourth as Sergio Arias had just won the 2005 U-17 World Cup with Mexico. Michel even took a back seat to Jose de Jesus Corona who joined the club on loan during the 2005 Copa Libertadores.

Michel’s patience, however, has been his virtue. The Jalisco native waited for his time to come and when it did he did not let go. Today Michel is not only Chivas undisputed starting keeper but also the team captain. Michel played an important role in the club’s dream start of the season that saw the Rojiblanco’s set a league record with eight straight wins. While Ochoa remains the fan favorite, judging by current league and national team performances Michel is currently the better keeper.

Unfortunately for Michel he still lacks the international experience that Ochoa has. Memo sat in the bench during the 2006 World Cup, put forth an inspiring performance against Brazil in the 2007 Copa America, and did a fine job guarding the posts in the 2009 Gold Cup. Definitely, it will be a though call for Javier Aguirre. Does he start Ochoa who has been groomed for the starting role? Or does he choose Michel who has shown leadership skills and more importantly is in top form.

Only time will tell and every friendly that Mexico plays until the World Cup will certainly be heavily disputed by both keepers.