Sandy City, Utah, might seem like an unlikely place for a Mexican soccer player to begin his road to redemption, but for Javier Hernandez Friday night's match at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Salt Lake City could prove to be just that.
Hernandez has endured a very difficult few years. Since starring for both Manchester United and the Mexican national team in 2010 and 2011, the attacker has suffered several injuries, missed important games for United and El Tri, fallen out of favor at Old Trafford and eventually been disregarded.
Chicharito's decision to sign for German side Bayer Leverkusen could be seen in the eyes of some as a step down for the Mexican star, but it could also pave the way for him to establish himself in a side where he will be the number one choice up front. As the marquee player, he will be trusted and instilled with the confidence that once saw him shine as one of the most lethal strikers in the world.
Hernandez may well have featured impressively for Real Madrid in the few cameo appearances that he made towards the end of last season, and may even still capable of leading the front line for United as he once did, but it was clear that he was not considered among the first choice players for either side. And when Real opted not extend his loan spell with them he seemed almost destined to return to United only to be sold.
Offers from ambitious Premier League sides like West Ham and Southampton show how highly Chicharito is still thought of in England and he could well have starred for either side and returned to his imperious best.
The move to Leverkusen, however, though somewhat surprising, may well see 27 year-old reach the heights for club and country that have been missing for some time.
Hernandez will join a team that is rapidly progressing in the German Bundesliga, plays positive attacking football and has qualified for the Champions League this season. Hernandez will be a regular in the side after the departure of last season's impressive striker Son Heung-min and will have the opportunity to reestablish himself on the world stage.
With his future finally looking sorted and with the fact that Hernandez can now be confident that he is playing for a side that needs him, the pressure and frustrations of recent seasons will be lifted and could see a new, happy Chicharito again. Particularly in a place where the striker has said he is feeling the love from his new boss.
Whether he starts against Trinidad and Tobago on Friday or not remains to be seen, but when Hernandez does take the field for El Tri it will be a new Hernandez. One with all of the pressure, frustrations and injuries now things of the past.
A happy Chicharito could mean one thing. Goals. Goals that could not only power El Tri past the Trinidadians but could also see them given the extra firepower to overcome the United States in October's Confederations Cup and once again stand tall among the world best teams.
Sandy City may not be a place of optimism at the moment, after home side Real Salt Lake's disappointing season. But when the Mexican national team roll into town on Friday night optimism will be flowing through Mexican fans and players alike that their star man could be about to shine once more.
Preview for Mexico vs Trinidad and Tobago with TV Schedule, Live Stream HERE
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