The Tijuana Xolos played their first game of the 2025 Liga MX Apertura season this past Friday July 11, against Queretaro.

Club Tijuana came away with a 1-0 win at home and will now play its first away game of the campaign against Club America on Wednesday, July 16.

The Border City Dogs are still trying to adjust with the absences of Efrain Alvarez and Raul Zuniga. The attack is now seemingly relying heavily on 16-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora Jr. and new signing Adonis Preciado.

Manager Sebastian Abreu confirmed that the border city side is eyeing some players from European clubs as potential signings. With the recent departure of Raul Zuniga, signing an attacker will be key for Club Tijuana.

Abreu is not heavily attached to any playing style and will be willing to adapt all season long. In the match against Queretaro, Xolos controlled heavy possession in the first half and then went with a more conservative approach in the second half. While the match was not the most exciting affair, the three points were very valuable to start the new season.

Club America began the new season with a 1-1 draw against FC Juarez away from home. The Mexico City team played with some key absences and Erick Sanchez picked up a red card in that past game and will be unavailable against Club Tijuana.

Alvaro Fidalgo played some minutes against Juarez, but reportedly will not receive playing time against Xolos. Striker Henry Martin will also be unavailable, still dealing with an injury. However, goalkeeper Luis Angel Malagon and Israel Reyes will now be available to play after dealing with injuries.

Las Aguilas made the Liga MX final last season and are expected to be one of the better teams in this 2025 Apertura. Club America is expected to control possession and the flow of the game at home.

Club Tijuana’s strategy is likely to be a conservative one, relying on counterattacks and defensive play against Los Azulcremas.

The Xoloitzcuintles have struggled heavily on the road for several seasons and are the heavy underdogs coming into this match.

Francisco Velasco

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.