Game: Pumas UNAM vs. Tijuana Xolos

Where: Estadio Olimpico Universitario, Mexico City

When, Sunday March 10, 2024

Time: 11:00 a.m. PST

TV: TUDN

The Tijuana Xolos have been struggling heavily in this 2024 Clausura season and now look to avoid their 13th consecutive winless game against Pumas UNAM this Sunday, March 10, at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario.

Club Tijuana has only lost one out of their last five games but has not won in what has been a very rough campaign.

The Aztec Canine’s historical road struggles have also been present this semester and in Miguel Herrera’s tenure with Club Tijuana, not winning on the road since April 14, 2023. Miguel Herrera seems frustrated beyond belief at this point, but he has stated on several occasions that he has no plan of resigning. The front office has a good relationship with Herrera, but it is unclear as to how long they will keep him on if the terrible results to begin the season continue.

The Border City Dogs are coming off two consecutive 1-1 draws at home against Monterrey and Leon; there were several positives to take from those games, but there are also still several issues with the team. The border city side has had some injury issues over the past few games, as Lucas Rodriguez and Efrain Alvarez will most likely miss out on this match. Nicolas Diaz had to be subbed out due to an injury against Leon, but it appears that his issue was not that severe.

There are some standout players for Club Tijuana like goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez and team captain Christian Rivera, but others like striker Carlos Gonzalez have been struggling severely. The attack is the biggest problem for the Aztec Canines with no consistent way of scoring and strikers that have lacked a finishing quality.

Pumas UNAM has not struggled to score this season with a potent attack featuring players like Guillermo Martinez, Piero Quispe, and Eduardo Salvio. However, the capital city side has struggled defensively with 14 goals allowed, which is tied for second among teams within the top 10 standings in Liga MX.

Eduardo Salvio has been Pumas’ best player with four goals and four assists in this 2024 Clausura, as he offers a lot in the offense with his speed, dribbling ability, and creative attributes. Pumas UNAM has the massive home-field advantage and are the heavy favorites in this match, despite losing their last two games. Club Tijuana will need to have better finishing in front of net in this match to have any chance of taking the three points at the ruthless Olimpico Universitario.

Francisco Velasco

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.