Tena accepts responsibility but denies failure of U-22 El Tri

In a recent interview with The Record, Luis Fernando Tena, assumes the responsibilities for the rough play of El Tri. Tena admits that he failed in creating a disciplined team, capable of a coordinated attack. Yet, the coach still remained optimistic.

"There is no failure. I am the first to admit that the team could do more. The warm-up games were going well and although I do not like excuses, the drop in eight for indiscipline had repercussions." he said.

Despite the results, Luis Fernando Tena, still is leading the selection to attend the Pan American Games and the London Olympics."This is a process leading to the 2014 World Cup, to Pan American and Olympic Games. The idea is to think ahead," he said.

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Uruguay vs. Mexico - U-22 Copa América 201: Full highlights

Uruguay are through to the quarterfinals of the 2011 Copa America after defeating Mexico by a final score of 1-0, sending El Tri's sub-22 side back home in time for the start of the Mexican Primera season.

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Mexico Crashes Out, Fails To Earn A Point, but prospects remain good (FMF State of Mind)

by Nicholas Rosano on Jul 13 at FMF State of Mind in Copa Americ

Excellent post. Although Mexico had a rough go with the U-22 squad, El Tri saw a significant push from the U-17 World Cup win and capturing the Gold Cup. I like the way Rosano is able to identify El Tri's bright spots, without overshadowing Mexico's terrible play. Please enjoy the original article here:  

Mexico joined fellow CONCACAF representative Costa Rica on the plane home, but will finish dead last in the Copa América standings, being the only side that failed to earn a point at the tournament. While that will certainly be a disappointing result for many fans after Mexico's victories in the Gold Cup and U-17 World Cup, the young U-22 side was always going to be up against it, competing against the senior squads of two outside favorites, Uruguay and Chile, as well as a strong Peru outfit. Factor in the prostitution scandal that sent eight of Luis Fernando Tena's first choice players back home, and it was simply too much for Mexico to handle.

Despite the disappointing results and some less than ideal performances from Mexico's veteran, overage players (save for the excellent work of goalkeeper Luis Ernesto Michel), Mexican fans will be able to take heart in the performances of some of their younger players against South America's best. Araujo and Hiram Mier showed that Mexico can continue to produce solid central defenders, while Giovani Dos Santos, though not on his brilliant Gold Cup form, continued to show why he can be a key component of the Mexican team for years to come.

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Four Mexican Primera Players set to play for Columbia in Copa America

Kevin McCauley at fmfstateofmind reports that

"Four Colombian players who are contracted to teams in the Mexican Primera have been called into Colombia's Copa America side, all of them with different prospects for regular playing time. Dayro Moreno of the Tijuana Xolos and Jackson Martinez of Jaguares de Chiapas will compete with European stars Hugo Rodellega and Radamel Falcao for playing time at striker, while Aquivaldo Mosquera and Julian Anchicho will fight for playing time across the back line."

With the Copa America soon to kick off these moves could bolster an otherwise lack luster Colobian squad. The players involved in the trade should provide more depth and experience and at least contribute offensively.

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Mexico's U-22 battles Columbia to a 0-0 draw

Mexico's national Under-22 National Team fought off a very impressive Columbian squad Wednesday night. Although the game ended in a draw, I found the match to be exciting and definitely telling of this young El Tri team. I wouldn't say they looked great for their Copa America warm-up, but there were some upsides.

For instance, Mexico did a nice job of shutting down Colombia's Radamel Falcao, which is encouraging because El Tri will face some serious talent in the next few weeks. Containing individual players will need to be a hallmark for this team moving forward.

Here was both teams lineup for Wednesday's match:

Colombia lineup: Ospina; Zapata, Yepes, Armero, Zuniga, Sanchez (Cuadrado), Aguilar, Guarin (Bolivar), Soto (Moreno), Falcao (Martinez).

Mexico lineup: Michel, Vidrio, Araujo, Jimenez, Chavez, Cabrera (Hernandez), Reyes, Enriquez, Fabian (Peralta), Cortes (Aquino), Marquez Lugo (Calderon).

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