The Tijuana Xolos played against Club America this Sunday, March 26, in what proved to be a very entertaining match at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. A large crowd was expected at the home of the San Diego Wave, and well over 20 thousand fans filled the fortress.

There was clearly an overwhelming support for Club America, but there were also plenty of Xolos fans present at the San Diego stadium. Miguel Herrera used plenty of his starters for this match, as Antonio Rodriguez was the only major absence for the team due to the international break. Lucas Cavallini and Lisandro Lopez were also not present in this match due to minor injuries that should not keep them out from any league games.

Club Tijuana came out with a few scoring opportunities to start the match, but Club America had the first clear chance in the 16th minute when Ricardo Diaz was able to stop a shot by Roger Martinez. The Xoloitzcuintles came back with a very clear scoring opportunity in the 22nd minute as Alexis Canelo released a potent shot that was stopped by Club America goalkeeper Oscar Jimenez. In the 25th minute Club America’s Emiliano Soria opened the scoring in the game as he scored off a free kick by veteran Miguel Layun to give Las Aguilas the 1-0 lead.

Final score. Club América wins it 2-1 vs #Xolos. Second half wasn’t nearly as good as first half but was an incredible atmosphere. #LigaMXeng pic.twitter.com/CWHDwSr4S1

— Francisco Velasco (@FranciscoEfV) March 27, 2023

The Aztec Canines kept attacking after the goal and were not dismotivated by it as a shot by Ismael Govea was stopped by Oscar Jimenez in the 28th minute. In the 34th minute, a header by Federico Lertora, off a cross by Ismael Govea, landed in Jimenez’s hands as the Border City Dogs struggled to surpass the Club America shot-stopper.

Finally, in the 36th minute, Braian Romero tied up the match at Snapdragon Stadium as he scored off a powerful header off a perfect cross by Alexis Canelo. Before the end of the first half, Emiliano Soria came to the rescue for Club America once again as he had a goaline clearance off a shot by Tijuana’s Fernando Valenzuela. The first half ended in very entertaining fashion as fans enjoyed an exciting game and a vibrant atmosphere at Snapdragon Stadium.

Miguel Herrera made nine total substitutions to start off the second half as the only players that remained on the pitch in the second half that started the game for Xolos were Braian Romero and Ricardo Diaz. The second half did not live up to the expectations that the first half created on the pitch, but the atmosphere in the stands stayed consistent.

There were several intriguing things seen around Snapdragon Stadium, including a pitch invader and Club America supporters launching color smoke bombs on the pitch. Fans of both teams were eager to demonstrate their passion this Sunday afternoon as, despite the uneventful second half, fans still cheered, sang, and reacted to any minimal play on the field. Miguel Herrera also demonstrated his passion as he received a yellow card during the second half for arguing with the referee.

Neither team had very many clear scoring opportunities throughout the second half, as the 1-1 scoreline seemed like it would have held up. However, in the dying minutes of the game, Esteban Lozano came up with the winning goal for Club America with a header off a corner kick.

Los Azulcremas‘ supporters burst in cheers as this friendly match meant more to several fans at Snapdragon Stadium than some of the league matches they watch on the television. With the incredible atmosphere witnessed at San Diego Wave games and this friendly, it is clear that Snapdragon Stadium is a perfect fit to host more soccer games in the future.

Xolos Lineup

Ricardo Diaz, Rodrigo Godinez (45′ Felipe Felix), Nicolas Diaz (45′ Everardo Rubio), Ismael Govea (45′ Jair Diaz), Francisco Contreras (45′ Oliver Iriarte), Federico Lertora (45′ Jose Juan Vazquez), Lucas Rodriguez (45′ Leonel Lopez), Fernando Valenzuela (45′ Kevin Castaneda), Alejandro Martinez (45′ Misael Dominguez), Alexis Canelo (45′ Joaquin Montecinos), Braian Romero (71′ Jaime Alavrez)

Francisco Velasco

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.