TIJUANA, Mexico – Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente took all 90 minutes and stoppage time to defeat CF Monterrey 1-0 at Caliente stadium here Saturday. Xolos took the three points from the game and increased their distance from the relegation spot.
“We played like we needed to, an aggressive game,” said Coach Antonio Mohamed after the game. “We didn’t give our rival a chance to recuperate. It was on the final play of the game and we got the goal. We still need to improve our game, but the most important part is that we earned the three points.”
The first half of the game had both teams battling for control of the sphere in the midfield. While Xolos had two shots on goal, they were no danger for goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco as the ball went wide on both occasions.
Xolos keeper Cirilo Saucedo had a similar first half touching the ball three times, mainly centers from his right with no real danger to his net.
Uruguayan international Egidio Arevalo took command of the center pitch for Xolos, stopping a Monterrey team that had precision passing but lacked the final strike up front. Tijuana native Fernando Arce and American Edgar Castillo were also active throughout the game. Arce won several loose balls and challenged for control of the midfield. Castillo recovered balls and used his speed to get to the Monterrey defense in an attempt to connect with his team mates.
“I played with several of these players when I was with Santos, like Arce and (Juan Pablo) Santiago,” said Castillo about his connection with team mates during the game. “I’m adjusting great with the team, getting playing time and I’m glad we got the three points.”
Monterrey did not give up easily, as Ecuadorian Walter Ayovi and Argentine Cesar Delgado combined to attack from the bottom part of the field putting the Xolos defense on edge. Victor Manuel Vucetich’s team continued with a better technical game but could not concrete in the final run.
Leandro Augusto received a cautionary yellow card after a rough tackle on Luis Perez. There were no other disciplinary actions in the first half and the teams went to the break with the game tied at 0-0.
Both squads came out with a more aggressive strategy in the second half. Jesus Zavala gave the first warning shot after receiving a center from Delgado that bounced off Saucedo’s left post. Castillo continued to make runs on the Monterrey defense. The USMNT player continued pouncing on loose balls in the defense area and running them to the opposition’s danger zones.
Mohamed took Argentine Jose Sand out of the game and brought in American Joe Corona who combined well with Castillo and Arevalo.
In stoppage time, defender Hiram Mier took down Arevalo a few yards outside the penalty box and received a cautionary yellow card. Augusto took the shot, and team captain and defender Javier Gandolfi ran in and headed the ball to Orozco. The Rayados keeper tapped the ball over his head, but the sphere’s speed was too powerful and it ended in the net. The crowd erupted with cheers as the ball rolled in the goal box with seconds left to play. Xolos won their first home game of the season 1-0.
“We’re disappointed because we maintained about 70% possession of the ball,” said Monterrey defender Ricardo Osorio. “In the last ten minutes either we relaxed too much or they increased their attack and they scored. That’s soccer, they scored, and they won.”
Friday night Estudiantes Tecos UAG lost their game against San Luis FC, keeping them on the bottom of the relegation table. At Jalisco stadium Saturday, Atlas fell to Mexico City’s Cruz Azul 2-0. This leaves the two Guadalajara-based teams below Tijuana on the relegation table.
“The team is doing well, first Morelia, now this game. I think the team is gaining confidence and they know that like tonight, we can win a game with a goal in the final minute,” said Gandolfi after the game.
Other League Games
Jaguares de Chiapas 3, Chivas de Guadalajara 1; CF Pachuca 3, Puebla FC 1; Tigres UANL 1, Queretaro 0; Atlas 0, Cruz Azul 2; Atlante FC 1, Club Santos Laguna 2
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