Xolos look to snap three-game losing streak vs. Mazatlan FC
Game: Tijuana Xolos vs. Mazatlan FC
Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico
When: Friday, Aug. 25, 2023
Time: 8:10 p.m. PST
TV: TUDN, VIX
The Tijuana Xolos will play their first game back at the Estadio Caliente since July 14 and will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak in all competitions. Club Tijuana is coming off a 1-0 loss in Liga MX play against Chivas de Guadalajara and also suffered two losses in Leagues Cup play against Philadelphia Union and Queretaro.
Lucas Cavallini received a red card in the match against Chivas and will subsequently be unavailable to play in this game. Miguel Herrera went with a two-man strike partnership of Cavallini and Carlos Gonzalez, which was ineffective against Guadalajara. “Piojo” will need to switch up his lineup for this match, and it will be intriguing to see which players the Mexican manager goes with.
One of the only positives from the game against Chivas was the excellent performance goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez put in. Rodriguez had eight saves in the match, including a penalty save against Victor Guzman, which could have been crucial if Club Tijuana had generated some offense.
The border city club has relied heavily on Carlos Gonzalez, who has scored four goals this season, for the offense, and without Cavallini, he will be key in this match.
Mazatlan FC is coming off their first win of the Liga MX 2023 Apertura season after defeating Puebla 1-0 at home. Facundo Almada scored the lone goal with an assisy by Colombian playmaker Nicolas Benedetti, who is Mazatolan’s best player by far. Midfielder Andres Montano did receive a red card in the match against Puebla and will not feature in this game at the Estadio Caliente.
The Sinaloa-based team had a very decent showing in the Leagues Cup, defeating Austin FC and FC Juarez and losing to FC Dallas in the knockout stage. Mazatlan Manager Ismael Rescalvo has shown he has the ability to switch up his game plan based on the match, which has the potential to make for an intriguing clash at the Mictlan.
Mazatlan is not an easy opponent for Club Tijuana, but if the Border City Dogs are serious about making the playoffs this season, it is a must-win game in front of the home crowd.
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.