Xolos Femenil Loses Third Consecutive Game, Falls 3-0 to Club America
Credit: Imago7/Álvaro Paulin.
The Xolos women’s team played its 12th game in the Liga MX Femenil 2018 on Monday when the Club Tijuana ladies visited the Estadio Azteca to take on Club America.
Andrea Rodebaugh’s team was coming from three consecutive losses and was the heavy underdog heading into the matchup.
Rodebaugh used the same lineup that was defeated 4-2 against Pachuca Femenil last week, with the only change being the re-inclusion of Ana Lara in the defense.
Lara was set to bring her experience and leadership in the backline, but it did not really work out that way as the border city team took a 3-0 defeat.
The first half was a solid one from the Club Tijuana ladies as they kept a 0-0 result for the first 45 minutes. The second half was a completely different story, with three goals getting past Itzel Gonzalez at the Estadio Azteca.
The first of the three came in the 50th minute by Club America’s top scorer, Lucero Cuevas. The next two goals both came from corner kicks, with Estefania Fuentes making it 2-0 in the 63rd minute and Lucero Cuevas sealing the 3-0 score in the 68th minute. These goals from the corners really showcased the inexperience of the Xolos’ defense, which has allowed 10 goals in its last three games.
Some of the younger players on the team that did get some minutes in the game include Stephanie Rodriguez (18), Valentina Oviedo (15), Cinthia Huerta (19), Erika Gutierrez (17), and Valeria Barajas (17). Layzha Garcia, 16, did appear on the bench, but has now not played in Xolos Femenil’s last two games after looking like a promising player.
The border city team now have just two games until the season wraps up, and the next one will be the last home game at the Estadio Caliente against Cruz Azul.
The team has been regressing in these last few games after showing gradual signs of progress and will try to finish the season strong. With the win, Club America advances to first place in Group 1 of the tournament, while Xolos stay in seventh place. There is no chance of making the playoffs for Club Tijuana, but there are jobs at stake and certainly an abundance of motivation to perform.
21 years old, born and raised in San Diego, roots from Tlaxcala, Mexico. Casual baseball, football and basketball fan but soccer is my true passion. Excited to bring you coverage of Club Tijuana for EVT!