The Tijuana Xolos played their eighth game in the Liga MX 2024 Clausura season this Sunday, February 25, against Toluca at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca, Mexico.

Heading into this match, Club Tijuana was winless this season and had a streak of 13 consecutive games without a road victory, dating back to last season.

Miguel Herrera was forced to change up his lineup, as Efrain Alvarez picked up an injury during the week and did not travel to Toluca. Alvarez had carried Tijuana’s offense along with Lucas Rodriguez last week against Atletico San Luis, making his absence a notable one.

To make matters worse, Lucas Rodriguez was injured just 28 minutes into this match; it is unclear as to the extent of his injury at the time of writing. “Titi” was fairly productive in his few minutes played, but after he departed from the game, the Aztec Canines struggled heavily to generate many scoring opportunities.

It was quite a lifeless effort by the Border City Dogs, with no shots on net in the full 90 minutes. Toluca goalkeeper Tiago Volpi, had absolutely no work in this match, in what was a very disappointing contest. As expected, the home team won this match, but the lack of urgency and creativity from Xolos in this match was quite worrying for a team that is still yet to win this season.

The first goal of the game came in the 53rd minute when Juan Pablo Dominguez released a very potent strike from just beyond the penalty arc. In the 63rd minute, Toluca extended their lead with a goal by Jean Meneses, who shot the ball inside of the penalty area after a cross by Carlos Emilio Orrantia. The marking on the play by Club Tijuana’s backline was dreadful, which showcased the disconnect by several players in this match.

The border city side is now in 15th place with just four points from eight games played and must face Monterrey, Leon, and Pumas UNAM in their next three games. The only saving grace in this tough run of games is that Club Tijuana will have two consecutive home games to try and get that elusive first win of the 2024 Clausura season. The Xoloitzcuintles’ next game will be on Wednesday, February 28, against Monterrey, who are currently third on the Liga MX table.

Francisco Velasco

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.