Tijuana Xolos: Border City Dogs Back On Track After Slow Start
Credit: Xolos
The Tijuana Xolos played their 10th game in the Liga MX 2018 Apertura this Saturday, Sept. 22, as the Aztec Canines managed to defeat Pachuca 1-0 at the Estadio Caliente.
The win catapulted the Border City Dogs to ninth place on the league table and extended their winning streak to three games.
Club Tijuana was previously on a dismal six-game winless streak before this stretch and the playoffs seemed like a mere illusion. The Xolos have looked solid in this run of form and the defense has been particularly outstanding with no goals allowed.
On the other hand, the offense has stayed inconsistent as the Xoloitzcuintles have only scored three goals in their last three games and the goals have come from three different players. Erick “Cubo” Torres was the latest Xolos’ player to find the back of the net as he scored his first league goal for the border city side. Goalkeeper Gibran Lajud has also been in exceptional form recently with 11 total saves in this winning streak.
The midfield duo of Diego Gonzalez and Diego Rodriguez is another component of the team that has been very consistent recently.
The Xolos have a very tough road schedule for the rest of the season with visits to Monterrey, Puebla and the Estadio Azteca to face Club America. However, the home schedule for Club Tijuana is very manageable with opponents like Queretaro and Monarcas Morelia to round off the Apertura.
The Liga MX has proven to be highly competitive this season and getting into that top eight will be a challenge for any team.
The Xolos have a solid squad with plenty of depth that can be a menace to several other teams, especially at home with that dry, synthetic turf.
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.