The Tijuana Xolos have started the Liga MX 2024 Clausura in almost the worst way possible, with just two points from five games played. Surprisingly, Mazatlan FC has managed to be worse than that, with just one point from five games played this campaign.

Manager Miguel Herrera talked about change and patience when he first arrived at his second stint in Tijuana, but that patience may be drying up with the recent results.

Last season, the Border City Dogs started with five points from five games and have clearly not seen any progression since then. The “revolution” the border city team continuously promotes is nowhere to be seen within a team that offers little to no offensive production on an alarmingly consistent basis.

Club Tijuana is coming off its best offensive performance of the year, with two goals scored in a 3-2 defeat against Pachuca on the road. The road game struggles are as consistent as ever, and now the Xoloitzcuintles are also struggling at the Estadio Caliente, which used to be a fortress.

Miguel Herrera cannot be blamed for not trying to change things up, as he did start new signings: Joe Corona, Jesus Gomez, and Raul Zuniga against Pahcuca. However, these changes, and any for that matter, have been ineffective, with a team lacking creativity.

The backline featuring Nicolas Diaz and Kevin Balanta in the center-back positions has been the highlight of this team, along with goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez, who is, unfortunately, struggling with injury problems at the moment. Club Tijuana has one of the best target-man strikers in the league in Carlos Gonzalez, but not enough balls get to him in the box on a consistent basis.

The Aztec Canines really have a shot at getting that elusive first win of the season this Friday, February 9, when the Border City Dogs host Queretaro at the Estadio Caliente.

The Mictlan has not been the fortress it once was, and that must change if Xolos expects to be competitive at any point in this 2024 Clausura season.

The front office seems to be committed to manager Miguel Herrera, but it is unreasonable to think that the Mexican head coach will remain in charge if these results continue.

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.