Javier Hernandez isn't just big in Mexico and Manchester. He's big in Charlotte, N.C., where he scored two goals in Mexico's 5-0 win over Cuba to give him five goals in two games at the Gold Cup.

"It's very important that he's playing for Manchester United," says former Mexico star Enrique Borja, now a Mexican soccer official. "But most important, he's playing well with the national team and he's a good representative for Mexican soccer in many parts of the world. The people love him."

Mexico fans in Charlotte love the 21-year-old "Chicharito." He noticed Jessica Sanchez, a sophomore at Vance High, among the fans waiting for the Tri to arrive at its Ballantyne hotel Monday. Hernandez approached Sanchez, who has been confined to a wheelchair since birth, signed her green Mexico soccer shirt and autographed her notebook.

"He happened to see me and he said hi to me," said Jessica, who has lived in the United States for 15 years. "I thought he wasn't going to do that. But then I got really happy. He's made a lot of people happy. He's very important to us."