Futbol Returns to the Coliseum

USC will host the Mexican women's soccer team tonight at 7. It's a bit of a reunion, and not just for the Trojans and their beloved Coliseum.

The squads are coached by close friends Ali Khosroshahin, who led the Women of Troy to the NCAA championship last year, and Leo Cuellar, who was a popular figure as captain of the Mexican men's team before taking the women to their first Olympics and World Cup.

Their relationship goes back a long way. Khosroshahin played for Coach Cuellar at Cal State Los Angeles and eventually became his assistant coach there. He had high praise for his mentor. "He's opened a lot of doors for me. He's definitely given me an education in this sport that I think most people living here don't get." During USC's championship run, "I think I called him at least once a day."

Cuellar was equally impressed with his student, calling him a part of his family. "He's very intense, he's very convinced of his ideas. He likes to study, he likes to prepare. He's obviously trying to innovate."

Khosroshahin was hired by Mexico when Cuellar took over the team in 1998 and has been involved with the program ever since. Asked what his formal affiliation was, he shrugged and smiled. "Scout. Assistant Coach. Whatever [Leo] decides!" In his last job at Cal State Fullerton, he connected Cuellar with Marlene Sandoval -- now one of the top players for Mexico.

USC freshman midfielder Ashli Sandoval (no relation) hopes to be in Marlene's shoes one day. As one of four Trojans of Mexican American descent, she told reporters that she views this game as a tryout.

Expect tonight's matchup to be a good one. USC is playing at almost full strength (Amy Rodriguez is training with the U.S. national team) and Mexico, ranked 22nd internationally, traditionally gets tough matches from American schools. Last week, Mexico tied UCLA, 1-1, and beat Arizona State University, 3-0.

With Beijing trials just around the corner, Cuellar feels that these matches are a critical preparation. “To come here and play the champions, as a part of our preparation for Olympic qualifying, is a great opportunity for us."