Tijuana Xolos Copa MX 2020 Preview: Xolos head into semifinal second-leg vs. Toluca with 3-0 advantage
Credit: Toluca FC
Game: Toluca vs. Tijuana Xolos
Where: Estadio Nemesio Diez, Toluca, Mexico
When: Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Time: 8:00 p.m. PST
TV: TUDN, ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes
The Tijuana Xolos have had a disastrous Liga MX season and are now just hoping do possibly obtain some silverware in the Copa MX. The Border City Dogs are currently in 16th place with just six points in league play and are coming off a 4-2 loss to Cruz Azul as making the playoffs already seems nearly impossible at this stage.
However, in the Copa MX, the Xolos are in the semifinals and are coming off a dominant 3-0 win against Toluca in the first leg of this series at home. Bryan Angulo was the standout player for Club Tijuana in that match as the Ecuadorian striker netted himself a hat-trick.
The Xoloitzcuintles do play better at home than on the road, but a 3-0 advantage is a very sizeable lead. This game will not be a walk in the park at the Nemesio Diez, but it will be difficult for Toluca to score three goals or more. Xolos manager Gustavo Quinteros understands the importance of this match as he rested key players like Miller Bolanos and Bryan Angulo this past weekend.
Toluca is also struggling in league play, currently in 15th place as this cup tie also has some importance for the Red Devils. The Central Mexican team is coming off a 1-1 draw against Queretaro in the Liga MX but really struggled in the first leg of this matchup.
Los Diablos Rojos have a solid team as players like Rodrigo Salinas, and Emmanuel Gigliotti will be the main players to watch in this match.
Players to Watch
Bryan Angulo
Angulo is clearly the player to watch for Club Tijuana as he scored three goals against Toluca in the first-leg. The Ecuadorian striker is more of a traditional forward with a balanced style of play and very good positioning.
Miller Bolanos
Bolanos was shockingly sent to the bench by Gustavo Quinteros this past weekend as the Xolos were clearly saving him for this game. The Ecuadorian playmaker worked very well with Bryan Angulo in the first-leg as he uses his flair and passing abilities.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 2-1 win for Toluca in this match that will not be enough for Los Diablos Rojos as the Xolos have a massive advantage.
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.