Friday’s Game is a Must-Win for the Tijuana Xolos
It’s been a tough start to the 2017 Apertura tournament for the Tijuana Xolos.
After an off-season of high-profile transfers (specially from South America) and a new coach introduced, a lot of fans and media members were hoping for a successful tournament. Well that hasn’t been the case so far.
I still believe that this team has what it takes to turn things around, but they will need to get it going fast.
On Friday, the Border city team travels to Puebla to face “La Franja” in a matchup of struggling squads.
Fortunately for the Xolos, Puebla has what many consider one of the weakest rosters in Liga MX. Maybe this is the week that Eduardo Coudet’s team starts playing to its potential.
There have been many issues that have contributed to Xolos’ slow start to the season, but maybe the most important and overlooked one is the fact that this team is still getting used to playing together. It will take time, but they should improve soon.
Last season was a bit of dream one under, then coach, Miguel Herrera. But given the circumstances, there was no way that this squad would repeat what last year’s did. The good news is that we are only three games into this new tournament and there’s plenty of soccer to be played. But make no mistake about it… to me, Friday’s game is a must win.
I’m aware the game is on the road, but the opponent might be the easiest one on the schedule, and given the talent discrepancy between the two sides, the Xolos should win their first game of the season on Friday.
On Wednesday, the Xolos lost their most consistent player so far as Paul Arriola moved to MLS side (D.C. United).
I’m curious to see how will Eduardo Coudet is going to replace his production on the field. There’s no question in my mind that this team is talented enough to overcome its shaky start to the season, but if the wins don’t start coming soon I can see some players “checking out” for the year. That is why Friday’s game is so important to this squad.
Every season has its turning points, and to me the Puebla game is the first one. If the Xolos find a way to win the game, it will give them confidence to keep trying to find cohesion. However, if Friday turns out like past performances this tournament, then it could spell the end of what once was a promising season for the Tijuana Xolos.
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