The Tijuana Xolos started their 2025 Apertura campaign this Friday, July 11, against Queretaro at home. Both teams missed the Liga MX playoffs last season and were looking for a better start to the new season.

Club Tijuana is undergoing a transitional phase with new manager Sebastian Abreu. The Uruguayan manager coached the Xoloitzcuintles during some training sessions last season, but this was his first official game in charge.

The starting lineup was as follows: Antonio Rodriguez, Rafael Fernandez, Unai Bilbao, Jackson Porozo, Alan Vega, Ivan Tona, Kevin Castaneda, Ramiro Arciga, Gilberto Mora, Adonis Preciado, Shamar Nicholson.

El XI Xoloitzcuintle que está en la cancha #LocosXTijuana pic.twitter.com/SmbS4reYeq

— Xolos 🐕 (@Xolos) July 12, 2025

The start of the match was quite slow, with neither team really generating much offensive play. The clearest scoring opportunities of the half came towards the end of it.

In the 41st minute, Gilberto Mora launched a shot from just outside of the box that went just above the visitors’ net. The 16-year-old Mora has received a plethora of media attention recently as he won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the Mexico national team. Mora was marketed as the star of the team just before the match, even receiving special recognition for his feat with the national team.

The first goal of the game came in stoppage time of the first half off a corner kick by Club Tijuana. Shamar Nicholson connected on a header and was denied by visiting goalkeeper Jose Hernandez.

⏱️Medio tiempo en Tijuana.🐶🆚🐔

Antes de irnos a descansar aquí les dejamos el tanto de @Xolos con el que se abrió el marcador.#Jornada1 #Apertura2025 | #LaLigaDeLaAfición pic.twitter.com/8K7k4qRVDC

— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) July 12, 2025

After some rebounds inside the box, former Xolos fullback Omar Mendoza ended up putting the ball into his own net. The Border City Dogs controlled possession in the game and were the far more dangerous team on the ball after the initial 45 minutes.

The Aztec Canines had 74 percent possession and nine shots in the first half, to Queretaro’s two.

The flow of play changed a bit in the second half as Queretaro had more of the ball, but was unable to take advantage of that. The game was a slow one overall, with not many scoring opportunities for either team.

Sebastian Abreu made his first changes of the game in the 72nd minute when Alex Gomez and Domingo Blanco replaced Gilberto Mora and Shamar Nicholson.

Leonardo Vargas made his professional debut in the 85th minute as he came in for Ramiro Arciga. Vargas had a promising preseason and is one to watch with his physical presence, coming in at 6 feet.

Abreu’s final substitution of the match came in stoppage time when Joe Corona replaced Kevin Castaneda. Club Tijuana was able to hold onto the slim lead to come away with the valuable three points from the match.

The visitors did not present much of a threat throughout the match and were unable to do much offensively in the second half. Historically, Club Tijuana has relied on home results for success, as every game at home is vital for the playoff race.

Manager Sebastian Abreu really focused on the collective effort by the team and the grit that the team will need to show throughout the season in his post-game press conference. “We’re going to be a tough team to face for man”, said Abreu.

After this strong start to the season, Club Tijuana will have a very tough task as they face Club America away from home on July 16. The Xoloitzcuintles will then come back home to face FC Juarez on July 25 before starting the Leagues Cup campaign.

Francisco Velasco

Francisco, 28, 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 FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.