TIJUANA, Mexico – Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente won their first preseason game on home turf 1-0 against Primera A side Tiburones Rojos de Veracruz at Caliente stadium here Wednesday night. Over 18,000 of the canine faithful packed the stadium to support their club as they attempt to remain in the Mexican first division at the conclusion of the season.
Coach Antonio Mohamed started with his veteran midfielders, Uruguayan Egido Arevalo, Brazilian Leandro Augusto and Fernando Arce. The players controlled the midfield throughout the game, feeding Richard Ruiz and new acquisition American Gregory Garza, who both seamlessly moved up from defense to attack their opponents’ net.
"The squad is competitive in all positions on the field, so earning a spot is going to be a day-to-day endeavor," said Mohamed at the conclusion of the exhibition game. "I hope I can keep this squad throughout the season so the team can find rhythm. For now I have my ideal 11, but you know the game, there are problems, some players' performance improves, for others it drops, so we'll keep trying out players during training to see where they fit."
The game began with both teams running the ball back and forth. Veracruz took the first shot on goal when Guatemalan international Carlos “Pescadito” Ruiz headed the ball over goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo’s net. The former Major League Soccer (MLS) player was very active during the game having several opportunities on goal.
Xolos would respond in kind with a header of their own from striker Jose Sand whose shot went wide of the net.
Slowly the canine squad took control of the game, gaining ground and taking more shots on goal making goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez make several close call saves. Wingers Ruiz and Garza were a nightmare for the visiting defense. Garza attacked from the side and took several shots on goal while Ruiz centered several passes that missed their target strikers by inches.
At the 28th minute, it was home-grown talent Arce who recovered a loose ball and drove it into the net to defeat a diving Rodriguez giving Xolos the 1-0 lead. The game continued with Xolos dominating the field.
The best shot for Veracruz came from Pescadito Ruiz who took a half-bicycle kick that went over Saucedo’s net. The MLS veteran joins the Tiburones this season as they try to reach promotion into the Mexican first division.
Xolos began the second half controlling the game. Mohamed made his first substitutions at the 57th minute bringing in new signing American Edgar Castillo to replace Garza. Castillo took over the winger duties having several passes to center and wining a pair of corner kicks.
Despite controlling the action on the pitch, the game concluded 1-0. Xolos are scheduled to face first division side Atlante FC at Caliente stadium next week.
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