Tijuana Xolos open Leagues Cup campaign at Austin
The Tijuana Xolos will begin Leagues Cup play at Q2 Stadium against Austin FC this Thursday, August 6. Club Tijuana has had a magnificent start to the Liga MX 2026 Apertura season and will be looking to be competitive in this Leagues Cup.
The Border City Dogs are undefeated in three games to start the new campaign with wins against Tigres and Leon, and a draw against San Luis.
Club Tijuana is in the spotlight this season with young phenom Gilberto Mora on the roster. Mora has played in two games after the FIFA World Cup and has already scored a goal.
Mora has been playing in an offensive midfield position, but also has the liberty to roam in the offense. Despite having a great playmaker like Mora in the attack, there are doubts about the striker position.
Mourad El Ghezouani and Diego Abreu have proven to be highly inconsistent. Xolos did sign Elias Manoel, and it will be interesting to see if the Brazilian forward can add stability to this offense.
Manoel is coming over from Portuguese club Santa Clara, where he scored three goals in 15 games. The 24-year-old was not a starter in any of these games, as his production has the potential to increase with more consistent playing time.
Xolos does seem to have stability in the midfield and especially in the backline, with just one goal allowed this season. Ecuador international Jackson Porozo is the leader of the backline with his imposing physical presence.
Goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez has also consistently been one of the top players in his position in Liga MX for several seasons.
Austin FC has been one of the worst teams in MLS this year, currently 14th on the Western Conference table. The Texas-based team is coming off two consecutive defeats and two consecutive shutouts.
The most recent loss was a 1-0 defeat to Colorado Rapids away from home. Myrto Uzuni has been the most productive offensive player on this roster with six goals scored in 2026.
Facundo Torres has also been a key component of this attack with five assists on the year. Despite these intriguing offensive pieces, the defense is what has been a real problem for Austin.
Los Verdes have allowed the second-most goals (36) in the Western Conference and have already allowed five goals since the World Cup break. Club Tijuana has several playmakers like Mora that can make this inconsistent Austin backline pay.
Francisco, 28, 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 FC, San Diego Wave. I have covered Liga MX, MLS, Mexico National Team, USWNT, Copa América and European clubs like Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.