Queretaro FC took a 1-0 victory over Club Tijuana Saturday at the Caliente stadium in week 10 action of the Clausura 2013 of La Liga MX. Xolos fielded a team that consisted of several bench players as they had footballers suspended or were resting due to playing in two tournaments. Despite that fact, the loss came as a surprise.
The Gallos Blancos are trying to avoid relegation and the three points from this game give them valuable oxygen. Now Queretaro waits to see what happens with San Luis FC which is also in relegation danger.
Xoloitzcuintles lose their fourth game in the last five after starting the season with four wins. The Aztec dogs are also participating in the Copa Libertadores, and the two tournaments are beginning to take their toll on the squad. Despite the loss Xolos leads their group in Libertadores and is still in a playoff spot within the Mexican league.
The game began with Queretaro taking the first shot on goal trying to surprise goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo who dropped the ball but maintained control. After that Xolos took control of the pitch firing several times in the first 10 minutes but with no luck. Tijuana was close but failed to concrete in the final approach.
The Gallos were waiting for a counter strike opportunity allowing the Aztec dogs to position their players forward. The strategy did not work for Queretaro as they could not mount a counter. Their goal came on a defensive error. A bad clearance landed on a Queretaro player’s foot who passed to Wilberto Cosme. The Colombian was clear of marker and volleyed the ball over Saucedo who was off his line. In their first approach the Gallos Blancos broke the net to lead 1-0.
Xolos continued to control the pitch looking to close the gap. Tijuana played better, but was not lucky on the final shot. The first 45 minutes came to a close with Queretaro leading 1-0.
There wasn’t a big change in the second half with Xolos continuing to dominate the pitch looking to get on the board. Coach Antonio Mohamed brought in Argentines Alfredo Moreno and Bruno Piceno to refresh his attack. Later he brought in Fernando Arce to set up plays from the midfield.
Queretaro held their ground planting themselves around the net to protect their lead waiting for a counter strike. As time ran down the Xolos players began to fall into frustration beginning to take unusual shots from a long distance in an attempt to catch the Queretaro keeper off his line.
After 90 minutes of play the team that is closest to being relegated defeated the current league champion 1-0. Queretaro will host Toluca FC in week 11 action. Xolos will travel to Brazil to take on SC Corinthians in Copa Libertadores, and then will host CF Monterrey.
Saturday’s games:
Cruz Azul 1, Jaguares de Chiapas FC 1
CF Monterrey 2, Leon FC 1
Club Santos Laguna 2, Atlante FC 1
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