Western Counties Soccer

Los Angeles Galaxy (LA Galaxy) defender Julian Araujo made his international debut for the Mexico senior national team earlier this week on the back of his switch from the USMNT (United States Men's National Team). LA Galaxy right-back Araujo was called up to the Mexico squad by manager Gerardo‘Tata’ Martino ahead of the Chile game this week after he announced his international switch from the United States to Mexico.

Araujo was named in the Mexico starting XI by Tata Martino for the Chile game on Wednesday. The LA Galaxy star played the whole game as Mexico and Chile shared a four-goal thriller. Araujo also received a yellow card for his troubles with eleven minutes left on the clock.
Cruz Azul FC of Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez gave his country the perfect start as early as the ninth minute during the game played at the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The Chileans levelled proceedings through ColoColo forward Ivan Morales just before the midway point of the first half as the Mexico lead lasted for just twelve minutes.

Mexico and Chile played out a 1-1 draw at the end of 45 minutes and the former would regain the lead on 64 minutes through Club America defender Jordan Silva. Mexican centre back Silva is on loan at Club America from fellow Mexican team Tijuana. Mexico led until the final four minutes when Pablo Parra scored a second equaliser for the Chileans as the two teams settled for a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation time.

20-year-old LA Galaxy right-back Araujo has a dual nationality and he represented the United States at youth level. He was one of the young players and new faces in the 23-man squad named by Tata Martino for the Chile game. Araujo was a member of the provisional Gold Cup roster for the United States before he made himself unavailable for selection.