Miguel Herrera seeks first win this season against Club America at Estadio Azteca: Tijuana Xolos 2023 Clausura Preview
Credit: Liga MX
Game: Club America vs Tijuana Xolos
When: Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023
Where: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Time: 5:05 p.m. PST
TV: TUDN
The Tijuana Xolos will continue their two-game road trip this Sunday, Feb.19, 2023, with a visit to the historic Estadio Azteca to face Club America. Manager Miguel Herrera will be looking for his first win in charge of the club as he suffered a 2-1 loss to Chivas de Guadalajara in his first official match with the border city club.
That was a tough loss to take for Club Tijuana, previously coming off their first win of the season, a 1-0 win against Atletico San Luis at home. After some good luck in the game against San Luis, Xolos suffered from a bit of bad luck as the game against Chivas was decided by two penalties.
Both penalties were controversial as Chivas’ midfielder Victor Guzman was able to put both away to come away with the three points for Los Tapatios. Federico Lertora scored the lone goal of the game against Los Rojiblancos, which was only Tijuana’s third non own-goal this season.
Lertora reappeared for the Xoloitzcuintles after coming off a suspension and really proved his worth in the match against Chivas. Miguel Herrera did not toggle much with the lineup that was able to defeat San Luis at the Estadio Caliente, making only one change from that starting 11.
Some of the notable players that were on the bench for “Piojo” in that match include Lucas Cavallini, Fernando Valenzuela, Leonel Lopez, and Misael Dominguez. One of the players that has stood out when coming off the bench has been Cavallini, as it will be interesting to see if the Canadian striker can get an opportunity to start this match in Mexico City.
Club America has been one of the best teams in the Liga MX 2023 Clausura season, currently in fifth place with 13 points. Las Aguilas are undefeated this season, with three wins and four draws from seven games played.
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America’s wins have come against Atletico San Luis, Necaxa, and Mazatlan FC, who are all similar teams to Club Tijuana. However, there have been some shocking draws for the capital city side as they have tied against Puebla and Queretaro at the Estadio Azteca.
A point out of this very tough matchup for the Aztec Canines will be a very successful result, given the circumstances of the current Liga MX season. However, this will be an arduous task as Club America is tied with current champions Pachuca with 17 goals, which topps the league. Los Azulcremas have a potent attack featuring players like Henry Martin, Diego Valdes, and Jonathan Rodriguez.
Club America is coming off a 3-1 away win against Atletico San Luis, where Henry Martin managed to score two goals. The home team clearly has a significant advantage heading into this match, but Miguel Herrera will be motivated to be back at the stadium where he has lived many past glories.
Players to Watch
Lucas Cavallini
Club Tijuana’s offensive unit, when Alexis Canelo, Lucas Rodriguez, and Alejandro Martinez all play, is clearly not working. If there was ever a time to try and bring on the experience that Lucas Cavallini offers, a tough match against America at the Estadio Azteca is a promising opportunity. The Canadian striker does bring a lot of physical play into his game, and Club America has some physical players like Henry Martin, as Cavallini’s aerial presence can be valuable on set plays.
Henry Martin
The Mexican striker has been having an amazing season for Club America, as he has scored nine goals in just six games that he has started. The Yucatan-born forward is averaging a goal every 61 minutes in this 2023 Clausura, as he is currently in the best form of his career. Martin offers outstanding aerial abilities as he is a key man to mark on set pieces and on crosses from the wing.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 2-0 win for Club America in this match, as this game has the potential to be a very tough away fixture for Club Tijuana.
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.