The ranks of Americans in the World Cup is swelling to unprecedented numbers, even if a number of them won't be wearing the red, white and blue of the US national team.
Miguel Ponce, a US-born Mexican defender, has been added to El Tri's squad for Brazil 2014 following an injury to Juan Carlos Medina:
Ponce, a 25-year-old left back, was born in Sacramento, Calif., and has represented Mexico at both the youth national team and full national team levels, including as a regular with the gold medal-winning squad at the 2012 Olympics.
He began his club career with Chivas de Guadalajara in 2012, and is currently with Toluca on loan. Ponce has never represented the US at any level, and his entire club career has taken place in Mexico.
He joins El Tri and Toluca teammate Isaac Brizuela on the list of US-born players who could represent another country in this year's tournament. Steven Beitashour of Iran, Gotoku Sakai of Japan and Giuseppe Rossi of Italy could also gain membership to that club.
