Tijuana Xolos Copa MX Recap: Sanvezzo scores first as Xolos beat Queretaro 2-0
Tijuana, Mexico
The Tijuana Xolos played their first game in the Copa MX 2019-2020 season as the Aztec Canines hosted Queretaro at the Estadio Caliente. The Xoloitzcuintles had tied against Queretaro 1-1 in league play on Saturday night as this wasn’t expected to be a very exciting match.
However, the game was entertaining, and there was a vibrant atmosphere at the Mictlan as 24,333 fans filled the stadium. Club Tijuana were the favorites heading into the match, but it didn’t seem that way for most of the clash as it remained scoreless until late in the game.
Manager Oscar Pareja used an alternate lineup that featured some experienced players like Luis Michel, Angel Sepulveda, and Camilo Sanvezzo. However, it also featured some very young players like Antonio Nava, Ivan Lopez, and 19-year-old Tijuana native Luis Gamiz, who captained the team.
The Xolos had a few decent scoring opportunities in the first half, but Queretaro was playing with a backline of five and was tough to break down. Miller Bolanos came on for youngster Ivan Lopez in the 59th minute, and that was a turning point in the match as Bolanos’ talent and experience helped propel the team to the three points.
Liga MX starter Ignacio Rivero came on in the 64th minute for Antonio Nava as well as Erick Torres for new signing Jorge Rojas in the 71st minute. Miller Bolanos was finally able to break the scoreline in the 81st minute as Angel Sepulveda made a perfect pass to the Ecuadorian forward, who put the ball calmly in the back of the net.
Camilo Sanvezzo extended the Xolos’ lead in the 86th minute as the Brazilian striker tapped the ball in the back of the net after a pass by Miller Bolanos. It was Sanvezzo’s first goal with the Xoloitzcuntles as the 31-year-old was finally able to score with the border city club.
The game ended 2-0 in Club Tijuana’s favor as the Aztec Canines were able to get their first three points of the Copa MX 2019-2020 season. The Xolos will now focus back on the Liga MX as the Prehistoric Dogs will visit the Estadio Azteca to face Club America this weekend.
Xolos’ Lineup: Luis Michel, Luis Fuentes, Jordan Silva, Victor Torres, Jorge Rojas (71′ Erick Torres), Luis Gamiz, Fernando Arce Jr., Ivan Lopez (59′ Miller Bolanos), Antonio Nava (64′ Antonio Nava), Angel Sepulveda, Camilo Sanvezzo
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.