Mexican squad draws crowd

Marcos Magellon considers himself "one of the biggest fans" of the Mexican national soccer team, but he never thought the country's pride would come to Las Vegas.

When it was announced "El Tri" would play an international friendly match at Sam Boyd Stadium, he jumped at the opportunity to see his team.

Magellon, 21, was among a swarm of supporters to greet Mexico's under-23 team upon arrival at McCarran International Airport on Thursday.

Mexico will play Venezuela at 8 p.m. Saturday.

"This is the first time here; it's a big thing," Magellon said. "We are superfans of the Mexican team. We grew up in Mexico, and everybody is happy. My family is just happy they're here."

Both teams are preparing for the 2011 Copa America, the South American championship, which begins July 1 in Argentina. Mexico and Venezuela could meet again in the tournament if both qualify out of group play.

Saturday's match is the third between the teams since October 2010, when they played to a 1-1 draw in Juarez, Mexico.

In March, the sides played to a 2-2 draw before a predominantly pro-Mexican crowd of 60,000 in San Diego.

"We're all happy to be activated for this match, to prepare for the Copa America," Mexico midfielder Marco Fabian said. "And we're happy to be here in Las Vegas. We know it's important."

Fabian had heard about the heat, but he said none of the players is concerned with playing in the Southern Nevada desert.

"Of course, we're always ready it," Fabian said. "We know it's going to be quite hot, but we're ready for everything, and we work for everything. And hopefully it's a good game."

The moment was important for Magellon and several other supporters, many of whom waited just outside customs in the airport's Terminal 2 as early as 1 p.m. to welcome their team.

Luis Herrera, 31, has lived in Southern Nevada for 14 years, but he never thought he'd get a chance to see the Mexican team close to home.

"There aren't any big stadiums here," said Herrera, accompanied by his 9-year-old son, Luis Jr. "The only stadium is Sam Boyd, and I never thought the national team would come to it. They always play in stadiums with 80,000 fans, and this one is very small."

With its senior roster playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup -- the continental championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean -- Mexico will take a squad of players age 22 and younger, along with five overage players, to South America's tournament.

El Tri, playing as one of two guest nations in the Copa America, has been drawn into a group with Chile, Peru and Uruguay.

Venezuela will play Brazil, Ecuador and Paraguay in group play and hopes to improve on its best-ever, sixth-place finish in 2007. The Vinotinto are paced by all-time leading scorer Giancarlo Maldonado, the Atlante forward who has 20 goals in 54 international appearances.

FC Barcelona reserve Jonathan dos Santos, the younger brother of Mexico and Tottenham Hotspur standout Giovani dos Santos, highlights the current Mexican side. But many fans are also eager to see Luis Michel, the Guadalajara goalkeeper who has conceded only one goal in four appearances dating to 2007.

"There's a lot of talent on this team," Magellon said. "They have a great goalkeeper, and he's one of the best players. He won't let anybody score. Venezuela is going to go home with nothing. (Mexico) should come here more often.

"This will be the best thing to happen to Las Vegas, for the national team to come."

Tickets are $42 and $62 and can be purchased at UNLVtickets.com or by calling 739-FANS. Gates open at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Contact reporter Sean Walker at swalker@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430.