Game: Tijuana Xolos vs. FC Juarez

Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico

When: Friday, February 14, 2025

Time: 7:00 p.m. PST

TV: VIX

The Tijuana Xolos will face FC Juarez at the Estadio Caliente this Friday, February 14, for a game in the Liga MX 2025 Clausura. Club Tijuana faces a vital game after losing 2-1 against Chivas away from home last week.

The Aztec Canines are currently 16th out of 18th on the Liga MX table in what has been a very rough tournament. The Border City Dogs have only managed to defeat sister club Queretaro at the Estadio Caliente this season in what has been their lone win of the campaign.

It is potentially early to label this a “must-win” game for the Prehistoric Canines, but given the abysmal start, it is not out of line. Liga MX tournaments quickly pass by with the short 17-game format and Xolos need to start gaining points at home.

The Estadio Caliente was a fortress last season, and that needs to be replicated this season in order to have any hope of a playoff run. Club Tijuana has recently added players like Shamar Nicholson and Franck Boya, who played against Chivas. However, Raul Zuniga scored his third goal of the campaign in that 2-1 loss in Guadalajara.

Club Tijuana has a new look, and rumors are circulating that Spanish striker Rafa Mir is close to signing up for the Border City Club. The Xoloitzcuintles have a new-look team after all the signings that has a strong physical presence that Juan Carlos Osorio strives for. However, it is yet to be seen if that physical prowess can lead to more goals and more wins for the Aztec Canines.

FC Juarez has been one of the most surprising teams this season, currently in seventh place with 10 points. The border city team is coming off a shocking 2-1 win against Monterrey, who have the highest roster salary in the league.

Los Bravos have been a force at home but have yet to win on the road, which heavily plays into Tijuana’s favor. Juarez lost 4-0 to Club America in their last away bout, and this will be a tough match in what is set to be a cold night in the border city.

The Xoloitzcuintles have everything in their favor for the three points out of this game and must not pass up this opportunity.

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.