All Things Mexico

The Canadian women’s national team had an impressive run at the 2016 Rio Olympics. After losing to eventual champions Germany 2-0 in the semifinals, Canada would go on to defeat the host nation Brazil in the bronze medal match, 2-1. 

The result tied their best-ever Olympic performance, which was another bronze in 2012. As the nation’s player pool continues to grow with talent, the success of the last five years will be an encouragement to both young players and investors. 

Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio has named his 23-man squad for El Tri’s February 8 friendly against Iceland in Las Vegas, Nevada. As the match does not fall on an official FIFA international date (meaning European clubs do not have to release their players for national team duty), the squad is primarily Mexico-based, apart from the LA Galaxy’s Giovani dos Santos.

A day after enfing his four-month goal drought for Bayer Leverkusen, Mexican striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed border wall, tweeting a poem by Mexican illustrator Jorge Mendez.

México en mi corazón. Orgulloso de ser mexicano hoy y siempre. Hoy unidos más que nunca. ¡Viva México! 

Escrito por mi paisano @cometa_ pic.twitter.com/NVhzPjY37R

Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez finally ended his goal drought dating back to October 1st by scoring against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday. Chicharito’s sixth goal of the campaign arrived in his 17th league match amidst rumors of a possible January transfer exit. 

With Cameroonian international Carlos Kameni firmly established as Malaga’s No. 1, Guillermo Ochoa elected to accept a season-long loan to fellow La Liga side Granada in July. This is Granada’s sixth consecutive season in the Spanish top-flight, an achievement they haven’t bettered since a run from 1968-76. If they’re to maintain their status in La Liga, they’ll have Ochoa to thank.

USMNT and Tijuana winger Paul Arriola scored a vicious volley for his club side on Friday in their 6-2 victory over Puebla. Tijuana had opened the 2017 Liga MX Clausura with a disappointing 2-0 loss to Morelia — the team in last in the relegation table. In that defeat, Arriola had been substituted at half time.

However, the 21-year-old has been tipped to have a breakout 2017 and his goal against Puebla was evidence of his talent. With the scores level at 2-2 in the 61st minute, Arriola struck this wicked volley to put his side ahead for good.

I firmly believe Liga MX is the most entertaining soccer league in the world, and a recent match between Chiapas and Pachuca proved why that's true.

Never mind the score, or even the soccer, because this game featured both a dog and a cat coming on to the field.

The dog looks way more excited to be there than the cat, which figures.

Liga MX: it's FAAAANNNNNTASTIC.

Rodolfo Pizarro is a bad man.

On Satuday, Chivas were tied 0-0 with Monterrey in the 10th minute. A Chivas cross was dealt with by the Monterrey defense, but Pizarro volleyed the rebound into the top corner of the net.

Pachuca’s 4-2 victory over Leon to begin the 2017 Clausura was about one man, and one many only: Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. The 21-year-old attacker has long been touted the most promising player in Liga MX, and his play has largely evidenced that fact since his debut in 2014.

But Lozano looks to have reached a whole different level in 2016-17. His stunning hat trick against Leon on Saturday showcased his range of talents: speed and quickness, technical ability, an incredible shot and an increasing knack for goals from the wing.

Chicharito's season hasn't been up to expectations based on last year's fireworks, but the folks at Forbes Magazine don't seem to care.

The business magazine named the Little Pea to its sports 30 under 30 list.