Tijuana Xolos: Rubio Rubin Scored “Emotional” Goal Against Chivas, Adapting Well to New Surroundings
The Tijuana Xolos picked up an important 3-0 win against Chivas de Guadalajara at the Estadio Caliente this past Friday to help their playoff push and improve to 21 points on the season.
Rubio Rubin did not start the game, but was subbed into the game in the 73rd minute. This decision proved to be a golden one by Diego Cocca as Rubin went on to score the third goal of the night for the Prehistoric Dogs to seal the 3-0 scoreline.
Facing Chivas de Guadalajara was a special moment for the Oregon native, and scoring was even more special.
Rubin is no stranger to Mexican soccer, and especially not to Chivas, as mentioned in a previous interview with Club Tijuana, “My dad has always been a Chivas’ fan and I always watched Ramon Ramirez, Omar Bravo, “Bofo” Bautista. That’s why I always dreamed of playing in Mexico.”
Rubio, Rubio! His first goal as a Xoloitzcuintle in @LIGABancomerMX ! @RubioRubin #GoXolos #FuerzaTijuas #USMNT pic.twitter.com/N2eoCo49NP
— Xolos (@xolos_en) April 14, 2018
EVT talked to Rubio Rubin after last Friday’s game and the 22-year-old forward shared his thoughts on his goal. Rubin said, “It was very emotional, when I was little I grew up watching a lot of Chivas’ games and for me, it was a very special moment. My dad is a big Chivas’ fan, to score against Chivas was big and I’m sure it was bittersweet for him.”
The United States international has received limited playing time this year, but does now have two goals in all competitions. Rubin is still in an adaptation period on the pitch, but does seem to be progressing, and his experience off the pitch seems to have been positive so far.
Rubin said, “I’m living in Tijuana right now. I plan on staying in Tijuana and it’s been good, the people are very nice, the food is excellent. Obviously, I try to stay away from the tacos, but you got to have it once a week, I say. I’m very happy here, guys have taken me in well, there’s a bunch of nice guys, funny guys, always joking around, but when it comes to being serious and focusing on soccer, we focus on soccer.”
At 22 years old Rubin is still a young prospect and a player to keep an eye on for the future for both Club Tijuana and the USMNT. It will be interesting to track his progression as this Clausura 2018 season comes to a close and a new season starts up.
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.