Tijuana Xolos Liga MX 2020 Clausura Preview: Xolos look for first road win vs. Morelia
Foto: Imago7/ Xavier Hernandez
Game: Monarcas Morelia vs. Tijuana Xolos
Where: Estadio Morelos, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
When: Friday, Feb. 14, 2020
Time: 7:00 p.m. PST
TV: TUDN
The Tijuana Xolos will play Monarcas Morelia at the Estadio Morelos this Friday, Feb. 14, for a game in the sixth round of matches in the Liga MX 2020 Clausura. This will be the Club Tijuana’s second-consecutive game against Monarcas Morelia as the two sides met at the Estadio Caliente this past Tuesday, Feb.11, for a Copa MX clash.
The Xoloitzcuintles defeated Morelia 3-1 in the Copa MX, but this is expected to be a distinct encounter as it will be away from home. The Border City Dogs have been terrible away from home this season with two losses in two road games in league play.
The Xolos have only scored one goal in away games and have conceded five goals. Club Tijuana has not won since Week 1 of the competition, and this will not be an easy task. The border city team is coming off a 1-1 draw against Toluca at home and really needs to get back on track.
The Prehistoric Dogs recently signed Edwin Cardona, and he can make an impact as manager Gustavo Quinteros continues to search for his ideal starting lineup.
Monarcas Morelia has also had a rough start to the season, currently in 15th place, with just four points. The team from Michoacan has three losses, a draw, and just one win this season, but there are gradual signs of improvement.
La Monarquia is coming off a 3-1 victory against Atlas, which was its first win of the season. The defenders really came through for Morelia as centre-backs Jose Ortiz and Gabriel Achilier scored two of the three goals for Monarcas in that match.
However, the defense has been a problem for Morelia, with nine goals allowed this season. The team from Michoacan surprised the league last season by making the playoffs, but it has not been an ideal start so far.
Players to Watch
Edwin Cardona
Cardona is unlikely to start in this game, but even if he gets minutes off the bench, it will be interesting to see what he can do. The Colombian midfielder is very skillful and is capable of generating the spark that this Tijuana offense desperately needs.
Jorge Valdivia
Nicknamed “El Mago” or the “Wizard,” Valdivia is arguably the most talented player on Monarcas Morelia. The 36-year-old is just coming over to the Liga MX this season but already seems to have adapted well to the league.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 2-2 draw in this match as both teams have struggled defensively, and there is potential for it to be a high-scoring encounter at the Estadio Morelos.
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.