The Tijuana Xolos played their first game in the 2024 Leagues Cup this Friday, July 26, against LAFC at BMO Stadium.

This was set to be a very tough match for Club Tijuana to start the competition, and it turned out that way. The Border City Dogs suffered a 3-0 loss in what was a very devastating game for the Liga MX side.

The first goal of the night came just nine minutes into the clash when Cristian Olivera scored off an assist by Denis Bouanga. The African forward burst past Tijuana’s backline with ease and was able to set up Olivera perfectly to open the scoring.

Shortly after that goal, Xolos’ midfielder Christian Rivera fell face flat to the ground after a clash with LAFC’s Eddie Segura. Club Tijuana manager Juan Carlos Osorio exploded after the play as he demanded immediate medical attention to Rivera that was not granted by the officials.

Osorio got in the face of the fourth official and also made forehead-to-forehead contact with one of the linesmen that seemed very aggressive. Osorio’s reasoning may have been justified with the concern of the safety of his player, but he received a direct red card after his actions.

The Colombian manager went on to stay several minutes on the pitch before finally leaving the field at BMO Stadium. Joe Corona replaced Christian Rivera in what seems like a serious injury concerns for Xolos’ captain.

LAFC rode on their momentum and made it a 2-0 game in the 43rd minute when Denis Bouanga scored from a shot inside of the box. Cristian Olivera returned the favor for Bouanga’s previous assist and provided quite a pass to the Gabon international.

In the second half, Bouanga and Olivera continued to be factors in the match. In the 51st minute, Olivera made it a 3-0 game with a goal that was assisted by Bouanga. The Gabonese forward had a golden opportunity to score in front of net, but his shot smashed the post. However, on the rebound, Bouanga found the ball and was able to provide a touch that landed the ball directly to Cristian Olivera.

This was a highly frustrating game for the Border City Dogs, given the injury to team captain Christian Rivera and the expulsion of Juan Carlos Osorio. The Colombian manager has the potential to be handed a hefty sanction after his actions at BMO Stadium.

This is a dreadful start for the Xoloitzcuintles in the Leagues Cup campaign after a pair of uninspiring results in league play. Club Tijuana will play Vancouver Whitecaps next in the Leagues Cup in this cross-border clash on August 3.

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.