Wednesday's game more than exhibition for Indios' Echavarria

McALLEN – For most of the players with Mexican teams Monterrey and Indios, Wednesday night's match at La Joya ISD Stadium is nothing more than an exhibition. Sure, there will be a trophy awarded to the winner and the game could have value as teams prepare for the upcoming season, but what happens Wednesday probably will be forgotten by most of the players.

Indios midfielder Jorge Arturo Echavarria is different.

Echavarria, 21, grew up in Reynosa and is relishing the chance to play in front of his friends and family as a member of a team in the top level of Mexican soccer. In his first year with Indios, Echavarria will surely experience crowds much bigger than what he will see tonight.

For him, though, Wednesday's game means more than just preparation for those higher-profile matches. It’s a chance to show those closest to him what kind of player he is, and what his hard work has given him.

“I suffered a lot to get to this level, to get where I am right now,” Echavarria said through a translator. “This is like a return, like a thank you. Something that you receive from working so hard. Having something like this is one of the best feelings you can have.”

Because he is a young and relatively inexperienced professional, it could be understandable if Echavarria has trouble focusing on what needs to be done. Not only will he be playing against Monterrey, one of the top teams in Mexico last season, he will be playing with more pressure than anybody else on the field.

Indios coach Hector Hugo Eugui isn’t expecting the surroundings to get to his young midfielder. He stresses that Echavarria is playing tonight on merit, not because he is close to home. His performance won’t be judged on a curve because he is playing in front of loved ones.

None of that, however, seems to be a concern to Eugui.

“I think he’s doing a great job. First of all, you have to give him that trust,” Eugui said through a translator. “If there’s a trust in that midfield, he gets more confident. And when he’s confident, the player plays better. When you create a relationship that has trust and confidence, it helps a lot.”

Hopefully for Echavarria’s sake, when he steps onto the field tonight he can show those positive qualities. If he does and ends up playing well, that would make a memorable night even better.

“All of the games are important but of course this one is significant,” Echavarria said through a translator. “I’m playing in front of my family and friends so I have to push harder.”

CORNER KICKS: Tickets for Wednesday's game are available at La Joya ISD Stadium. They can be purchased at 10 a.m. today and cost $28 or $40. … If the game cannot be played because of inclement weather, it will be cancelled and ticket-holders will get their money back. 

Brian Sandalow covers sports for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4436.