Jordi Cortizo shines for Xolos as Club Tijuana wins in first 2020 Guardianes game
Tijuana, Mexico
The Tijuana Xolos made a splash in the current transfer window by making several signings and letting go of several players as well. Some of these players have already played for the Aztec Canines as the Xoloitzcuintles defeated Atlas 3-1 in their first game in the new Liga MX 2020 Guardianes tournament this past Saturday, June 25.
The first half of the game ended 1-1 at the Estadio Caliente, but there was a shift in the game when the second half began. Midfielder Jordi Cortizo can attribute to this shift as he was brought on by manager Pablo Guede at the start of the second half for Edgar Lopez.
Cortizo was one of several players that joined Club Tijuana from Queretaro in this transfer window. The 24-year-old had spent his entire career in Queretaro, but had never really received an opportunity to be a consistent starter.
Cortizo had shown flashes of talent in the past, but he was not given enough time on the pitch to show it. Just four minutes after he came on, Cortizo scored to give the Tijuana Xolos a 2-1 lead and there was no turning back from there for the Border City club.
Cortizo then went on to attribute a lot in the midfield as he gave it his all and did not stop running during his 45 minutes on the pitch. Club Tijuana was able to extend their lead in the closing minutes of the game as Martin Nervo scored an own goal to make it a 3-1 game.
There were many notable performances in the Xoloitzcuintles’ victory as it was not an easy game against Atlas. Pablo Guede’s upbeat playing style can prove to be draining for some players, but the Xolos did well in keeping momentum during the 90 minutes.
Jordi Cortizo specifically did have a top-tier game as this playing style really suits his style of play. Other new signings that played in this game include Jonathan Orozco, Jaime Gomez, Clifford Aboagye, Fabian Castillo, Ariel Nahuelpan and Paolo Yrizar.
Orozco had an exceptional game in net as being one of the best goalkeepers with the ball at his feet in the league does well in this upbeat style of play. Jaime Gomez was involved in the final scoring play while Fabian Castillo and Ariel Nahuelpan worked well in the offense.
The Xolos really hit it big in the transfer market with their deal with Queretaro and this was the first stepping stone in the right direction for Club Tijuana. Pablo Guede also looked comfortable as the new Xolos’ manager as there already seems to be a connection with his players.
The Xolos next game will be a tough one as the Border City Dogs will need to visit Club America in Mexico City. Club Tijuana typically does much better at home than on the road, but it will be up to this new pool of players to try and change that.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.