The Tijuana Xolos opened their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign against Austin FC at Q2 Stadium this Thursday, August 6.

Club Tijuana had a favorable matchup against a struggling Austin FC team, but were unable to come away with the three points from the match.

Manager Sebastian Abreu started some youngsters in this game, as Joban Gonzalez and Alejandro Magallon made the starting 11. However, despite these inexperienced players featuring in the squad, players like Gilberto Mora, Mourad El Ghezouani, and Adonis Preciado also played.

It was a strong lineup for Abreu up against an Austin team that was coming off two consecutive losses in MLS play.

The opening goal of the match came in the 16th minute by Austin’s Joseph Rosales. Myrto Uzuni sent in a very precise pass to Rosales inside of the penalty area, and the Honduran forward was given enough time to strike the sphere and put away the scoring opportunity.

Joseph Rosales settles and shoots 🎯@AustinFC bags the opening goal against Tijuana!

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/2KmEQoyjD0 pic.twitter.com/wYiJscyPY0

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2026

Club Tijuana was persistent in the opening 45 minutes, but came away with nothing to show for it. Austin FC was able to extend its lead in stoppage time via a goal by Jon Gallagher.

A pass attempt by Ervin Torres was deflected by Xolos’ Jackson Poroz,o and it fell to Gallagher inside of the box. The Irish player finished the opportunity calmly to gain the vital 2-0 lead for the home team.

Double delight ‼️

Jon Gallagher makes it 2-0 for @AustinFC over Tijuana before the break!

📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/2KmEQoyjD0 pic.twitter.com/U7u8ZJdeeF

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 7, 2026

The Border City Dogs were giving a fight in the first half, but the finishing was not on point. Club Tijuana’s offense slowed down in the second half as Ivan Tona received a red card in the 70th minute.

Tona received the booking after an argument with Referee Reon Radix. Xolos’ offense severely took a halt, and that two-goal deficit was a huge hill to climb. Joseph Rosales was clearly the best player of the game as he came very close to scoring his second goal of the night.

One shot by Rosales was stopped by Antonio Rodrigue,z while another attempt sailed just over the bar. Club Tijuana finished the match with 19 shots to Austin’s 18, but the team was not clinical enough.

This is a very negative start to this Leagues Cup in what was a very winnable game for the Aztec Canines on paper. Club Tijuana has historically had its road struggles, and this was another defeat where that factor seemed to play a role.

The Tijuana Xolos will now travel back very close to home to face San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium this Sunday, August 9.

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.