ARMANDO OCHOA HEADS TO AUSTRIA Christopher Anderson - Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Austria's Cashpoint SCR Altach have looked again to the US for talent after signing Armando Ochoa from Hollywood United Hitmen of the Premier Development League.
The nineteen-year-old inks a contract until the end of the season with a possible year-long extension afterwards.
"They sent me over here for a four-day trial. After two days I signed," the Californian told YA.
Ochoa becomes the second American to suit up for the Vorarlberg club following Seattle Sounders striker Nate Jaqua, who played in the first half of 2008 during the club's short stint in the Austrian Bundesliga.
SCR Altach currently play in the Erste Liga and sit in second after eight games. Ochoa has already seen action with the reserve squad, which competes in the Regionalliga West, Austria's third tier of soccer.
"I play and train with the first team, but compete with the amateur side." In two appearances against SV Seekirchen and FC Hard, the youngster recorded two starts and proved to be an offensive threat.
"He's getting from practice to practice and game to game even better," assistant coach Mario Mayer observed. "He is getting acclimated to the environment. It's quite different than LA." He added that with continued improvement, Ochoa can expect to see action on the first team.
Ochoa is enjoying the transition and new challenge he faces on the field. On the pace of the game, he noted, "it's way faster, very physical." Communication with the other players is a challenge due to his unfamiliarity with German. "It's a little hard. Most of them know English, though."
In August Ochoa was named to the 2009 PDL All-league Team after four goals and three assists in 14 games for the Hitmen. Armando is the younger brother of former US Youth national team midfielder Sammy Ochoa.
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