The USL Championship has been a valuable resource for El Salvador over the past two years. In addition to natives who came to the United States to compete like Joaquin Rivas of Miami FC, New Mexico United’s Amand Moreno, Monterey Bay FC and El Paso Locomotive FC’s Eric Calvillo entered the squad.
Henriquez isn’t the only recent arrival from El Salvador’s top flight. Fellow is experienced international his Bryan Tamacus, and this offseason he signed with Oakland Roots SC, making it his second appearance outside of his home country.
For Henriquez, who spoke with Rivas, Moreno and Calvillo before moving to the Switchbacks last year, the level of competition and visibility the championship offers has been good for La Selector players.
“The USL Championship has seen very good development for some Salvadoran players,” he said. [the Salvadoran] To show your talent as a football player. ”
Competing in this week’s Concacaf Nations League competition, La Selecta have qualified for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup this summer. If they can overturn the odds against the United States against Grenada on Friday night, they have a chance to play one game less behind El Salvador and qualify for the Concacaf Nations League final.
It was the first time El Salvador has beaten the United States since 1992, but they have ended in a draw in their most recent home encounter with one of the region’s giants, and they were in a 1-1 draw at the CNL last June. against San Salvador – Henriquez and his teammates are waiting for their chance.
“This game makes me feel motivated because it allows me to show what I’ve learned on Switchback,” he said. “We can also show that El Salvadoran players have the talent to compete. If we want to reach the final, this is our chance to start dreaming as a group.”
