Tijuana Xolos Liga MX 2019 Apertura Preview: Xolos start off season in Puebla
Game: Puebla vs. Tijuana Xolos
Where: Estadio Cuauhtemoc, Puebla, Mexico
When: Friday, July 19, 2019
Time: 7:00 P.M. PST
TV: Univision Deportes
The Tijuana Xolos will begin their Liga MX 2019 Apertura season this Friday, July 19, as the Aztec Canines visit the Estadio Cuauhtemoc to play Puebla. Club Tijuana finished its 2019 Apertura regular season with a 4-0 win against Puebla at the Estadio Caliente, but this will be a different story away from home.
The Xolos had a very busy transfer window as 11 players were brought in and some key players like Gustavo Bou, Jesus Angulo, and Fabian Castillo were shipped off. Overall the Xolos did improve their roster by bringing in Camilo Sanvezzo to replace Bou and strengthing the midfield with players like “Lolo” Miranda and Washington Camacho.
The border city side will be without Vladimir Lorona, Aldo Cruz and Mauro Lainez as the three young Mexican players will be representing Mexico at the Panamerican Games. These will not be major absences as Oscar Pareja will have a full-strength squad, for the most part, to work within this match.
Puebla also had a busy transfer window as La Franja brought in several players including experienced veterans like Luis Miguel Noriega and Christian Marrugo. Los Camoteros were also able to secure young prospects like Diego Abella and Daniel Lajud as there is a clear initiative by the front office to be competitive.
Puebla did not lose many key players in the transfer window and was able to hold on to Lucas Cavallini, Brayan Angulo, and Nicolas Vikonis despite several rumors indicating that they would leave. Puebla narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, and homegrown coach Jose Luis Sanchez Sola is set for another competitive season.
Players to Watch
Lucas Cavallini
The 26-year-old striker had a great Gold Cup tournament with Canada and has been a very consistent Liga MX forward over the past few seasons. Cavallini is a very physical player, but can also be very skillful and also has a very good shot on him as well that makes him a threat to any defense in the Liga MX.
Miller Bolanos
Miller Bolanos will have a bigger role with Club Tijuana now that Gustavo Bou has left the institution. The Ecuadorian forward had a fantastic preseason as he seems to be in great form and ready to go for the new season. Bolanos is very skillful and serves as the quarterback for this Tijuana offense at times with his creativity and flair.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 1-1 draw in this match as there is not much to separate both teams and it can prove to be a very hard-fought and intense encounter in Puebla.
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.