Tijuana Xolos: Joe Corona Returns From Loan Spell At Club America
Credit: Xolos
This Friday, Dec.28, 2018, the Tijuana Xolos officially announced that Joe Corona would be part of the team in the upcoming 2019 Clausura tournament.
The San Diego native was on a year-long loan in 2018 with Club America as he played with Las Aguilas in the 2018 Clausura and 2018 Apertura tournaments.
Corona played in 20 total Liga MX games with the Mexico City club and started just six games, but became an important player for Los Azulcremas in their 2018 Apertura championship run. The 28-year-old started two games in the playoffs including the first-leg of the final against Cruz Azul and was a consistent role player off the bench.
Corona gained invaluable experience on his loan with Club America, representing arguably the most important team in Mexico with a very experienced manager in Miguel Herrera. The United States international is versatile as he can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and even out on the wings. However, Corona excels best in a central role due to his distribution and passing attributes that are also showcased on set-pieces.
Corona is a fan-favorite among Xolos’ fans as he has played with the border city side since 2010 when the team played in Mexico’s second-tier league.
The San Diego native was part of a Club Tijuana team that achieved promotion to the Liga MX in 2011 and was also part of the Xoloitzcuintles first and only Liga MX title in the 2012 Apertura tournament.
🚨Just received confirmation that this is REAL. Joe Corona is back from his loan spell at América. Great addition for #Xolos. #LigaMXeng pic.twitter.com/7xZ1xSYVtr
— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) December 28, 2018
The San Diego State alumni will now try and strengthen this Xolos’ team and find a starting role in a crowded midfield with players like Diego Rodriguez, Diego Gonzalez, Luis Chavez, and Ignacio Rivero. Whether or not Corona starts, he is a solid addition for Oscar Pareja’s team as he provides depth to a squad that certainly needs it.
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.