Tijuana Xolos: Aldo Cruz, Mauro Lainez become latest signings
Credit: Xolos
The Tijuana Xolos are getting ready for the Liga MX 2019 Apertura tournament and have been aggressive early on in the transfer market. The border city team announced the signings of Aldo Cruz and Mauro Lainez to now make it four signings ahead of the new season.
Cruz is just 21 years old and plays primarily as a left-back, he previously played with Lobos BUAP and received plenty of playing time in the previous campaigns. The Mexican fullback played all possible minutes for Lobos BUAP in the 2018 Apertura and 2019 Clausura tournaments but did show his inexperience at times.
While Cruz was solid at times with his speed, his defensive capabilities left quite a bit to be desired, especially against top teams like Tigres UANL. The 21-year-old is not necessarily an upgrade from the experienced Luis Fuentes but could be worth a shot because he does qualify for the youth minutes rule.
Mauro Lainez’s claim to fame is that he is Diego Lainez’s older brother, but he has shown his talent over the past few seasons. The 23-year-old forward scored just one goal last season but did score three goals in the 2018 Apertura tournament.
The Tabasco native is also coming from Lobos BUAP, where he spent the last two seasons. Lainez has showcased his talent but has also showcased his inexperience and immaturity.
One of Lainez’s most infamous moments came against Club Tijuana, when he scored, took off his jersey to celebrate then was sent off for his second yellow card. The goal came in stoppage time, and it was silly of Lainez to take off his jersey while already having a yellow card to his name.
Another addition. Welcome Mauro Lainez to Club Tijuana
👉🏽 https://t.co/mnpLCtCTZC #GoXolos #ligamxeng pic.twitter.com/JkvgBPfS08— Xolos (@xolos_en) June 13, 2019
The 23-year-old still has room to grow and is a solid option to add depth to Club Tijuana with inevitable departures to come. Top attacking players like Gustavo Bou and Miller Bolanos are rumored to leave the Xoloitzcuintles while winger Jesus Angulo is also linked to Chivas.
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.