Gringo Report: Acuña called to Mexico's U-22s

Mexico threw down the gauntlet on Thursday in what could be the latest tug-of-war with the US for the international services of a young Mexican-American.

The Mexican federation included Querétaro midfielder Isaác Acuña’s name in its preliminary list of U-22 players to participate in the Copa América and qualifying for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Acuña, a native of the border town of Calexico, Calif., has been impressive since making his professional debut with Querétaro as a second-half sub on Feb. 12. Since then, he’s scored twice in four consecutive starts for the Mexican Primera División club, including a 35-yarder that grabbed headlines.

The 21-year-old admitted last week that he hasn’t really thought about whether he’d play for Mexico or the US, but he would likely choose the first team that called.

"The truth is that I haven't thought about {my international future},” Acuña told Yanks Abroad."I guess I would choose the one that first calls me.”

The group of 22 players called by Mexico– all of whom play for Mexican first- and second-division clubs – will get together for a brief training camp from March 13-16.

Mexico plan to send a youth side to July's Copa América in Argentina (the senior team will play in June's CONCACAF Gold Cup), and that same side will participate in CONCACAF qualifying next March for the 2012 Summer Games in London.

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