Xolos Femenil 2019 Apertura: Club Tijuana ladies play historic first playoff game
Tijuana, Mexico
The Tijuana Xolos women’s team began the 2019 Apertura Liga MX Femenil playoffs this Thursday, Nov.15, with a scoreless draw against Tigres UANL. The Club Tijuana ladies had never made the playoffs before, but had a very successful season, finishing in seventh place.
Xolos Femenil were the underdogs heading into this matchup but held their own at the Estadio Caliente. Both teams had several excellent scoring opportunities throughout the encounter, and Xolos’ top scorer Renae Cuellar, specifically had a couple in the first half.
The clearest opportunity of the game for Cuellar and Xolos Femenil came very early in the match as Cuellar hit the ball wide of the net on a one-on-one in the penalty area. Xolos goalkeeper and team captain Itzel Gonzalez also played an essential role in the match with several crucial saves in the clash.
Tigres’ best scoring chance came in the 57th minute as Gonzalez almost put the ball into her own net after deflecting a shot off a free-kick. The last clear scoring opportunity of the match came in the 82nd minute as Xolos’ Isabel Fonseca almost scored a wonder goal off a corner kick, but the sphere smashed the post.
The game between Xolos and Tigres proved to be an intense encounter at the Mictlan, despite the scoreless final. Xolos Femenil will now need to defeat Tigres in the return leg at the Estadio Universitario, which is set to be a tough match.
The Club Tijuana ladies were defeated 2-0 by Tigres at the Universitario during the season, and this will not be any easier. Some of the missed opportunities on the day may prove to be the difference between making the semifinals or being eliminated. However, it was still a solid effort by Xolos Femenil in front of a decent crowd at the Estadio Caliente.
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.