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Mexican soccer teams to play at Round Rock

Teams from top Mexican circuit are expected to draw 16,000 fans

AUSTIN, Texas — For the second time this month, players from the top soccer league in Mexico will play an exhibition in Austin.

América and Toluca, rivals in the Primera División de México, will play at the Round Rock Independent School District Athletic Complex tonight at 8 p.m.

América, sometimes referred to as the Dallas Cowboys of Mexican soccer, were swarmed by fans at every stop Tuesday, including the stadium and at the team's hotel. Toluca wasn't expected to arrive in Austin until later in the evening.

"It's very nice to come to see all the support from the fans," América defender Oscar Rojas said through a translator.

On June 29, the UANL Tigres from Monterrey topped U-23 Austin Aztex 2-1 at Dragon Stadium. That game drew nearly 5,000 fans. Tonight's match — featuring two pro teams from Mexico — is expected to draw more than 16,000 spectators, officials said.

The two teams played in 2006 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, a 3-2 Toluca victory.

In tonight's exhibition, top players from both teams, including América's national team goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, are expected to participate.

Bill Oram writes for the Austin American-Statesman.