Tijuana Xolos seek first “real” away win of season against Club America
Credit: XoloGuero/EVT Sports
Game: Club America vs. Tijuana Xolos
Where: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
When: Saturday, Nov. 4
Time: 6:00 p.m. PST
TV: TUDN, Univision
The Tijuana Xolos will play their penultimate game of the 2023 Liga MX Apertura season in what will be their final away game of the season against Club America this Saturday, Nov. 4. Club Tijuana’s lone away win this season was due to a Liga MX ruling after losing 3-0 to Puebla at the Estadio Cuauhtemoc.
Based on performance, Tijuana’s best result away from home was a 1-1 draw against Necaxa back on July 7. The Xoloitzcuintles have been outstanding at home, but the flip switches on the road and this last road game is arguably the toughest visit of the season.
Club America is currently top of the Liga MX table with 36 points and has an eight-point lead on Tigres UANL in second. America’s lone loss of the season came in the first game of the season when the Mexico City side lost 2-1 at home against FC Juarez.
Las Aguilas lead the league in goals scored with 34 and have also conceded the least amount of goals on the season with just 14 goals allowed. Los Azulcremas are coming off a slim 1-0 away win against Atletico San Luis but have a stacked squad and are the clear favorites in this match.
Club Tijuana is coming off what arguably has been their best result of the season, a 2-0 win against current Liga MX champions Tigres UANL. With the win, the Border City Dogs improved to a five-game winning streak at home and slid into fifth place on the Liga MX table. The Aztec Canines must finish in at least sixth place to secure a spot in the Liga MX quarterfinals, which is not an easy task with the playoff race being so competitive.
Club Tijuana’s backline has been especially impressive as of late, with consecutive clean sheets. Goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez has been a key factor, but the centre-back partnership of Nicolas Diaz and Kevin Balanta has been very effective as well. Another key component of the team has been midfielder Christian Rivera, who has done an exceptional job of being the transition between defense and offense from his role.
Xolos’ top goalscorer, Carlos Gonzalez, has not scored in two consecutive games after scoring nine on the season, but the border city team has found other scoring avenues. Gonzalez is still a key component in Tijuana’s attack, and his physical presence is a standout trait against the opposition.
Miguel Herrera planned a perfect game against Tigres, with a solid defense and a fast transition on the counter attacks. A similar approach is very possible against such a strong team in Club America, but the x factor is that it is an away match. Club Tijuana’s historic road struggles are notorious, and this is especially true against such a formidable opponent, as this is set to be a very tough match.
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.