When Mexico's storied soccer team Chivas takes on Real Madrid on Wednesday in San Diego, you can bet Miguel Ángel Ponce's loved ones will be in the stands at Qualcomm Stadium.

Ponce was born in Sacramento of Mexican parents. He lived for several years in Tijuana and studied at San Ysidro High School before being signed by Chivas de Guadalajara in 2004.

In recent weeks, he played for Mexico's team in Copa América in Argentina. Though Mexico's U-22 team did not fare well in the tournament, Ponce got a chance to display his skills and even earned a starting role against Uruguay.

The 22-year-old returned to Guadalajara for a few days and now is preparing for the game against Real Madrid in San Diego.

Ponce, who plays left wing, worked his way up the Chivas organization, reaching the First Division team for its April 24, 2010, game against Cruz Azul, which ended in a 1-1 tie.

This will be the second time he returns to San Diego as a Chivas player.

Last September, he played at Petco Park against Chivas MLS.

Ponce said that Chivas is up to the task of challenging one of the best teams in the world. As long as the ball is in play, any team can win, he said according to the official web site ChivasCampeon.com.

On Saturday night in Los Angeles, Real Madrid trounced Galaxy 4-1. The Spanish team next takes on Chivas in San Diego.

"We see Real Madrid as a huge team, with many stars, and a lot of quality. Outside of the field we respect and admire the team," Ponce is quoted as saying. "But inside the field we are eleven men against eleven men and we're going to do our best to win."

He said that the San Diego game represents an opportunity to prove to the team's coach, José Luis Real, that he should be a starter.

Chivas confirmed in recent days that it will bring its full roster of stars to the San Diego game. Tickets, which range from $50 to $125, still are available.

Alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com