Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente had their final practice before their Friday evening game against Queretaro FC at the Caliente stadium. The Aztec dogs are ready to face the Gallos Blancos in week 13 of the Apertura 2013 of La Liga MX.
Xolos is looking to get back into the competition. Currently they sit in the 12th position on the league table outside of a playoff spot. With a possible 15 points remaining in the competition the Tijuana-based squad still has a chance of reaching the playoffs. But the team needs to finish strong in the remaining games to make that a reality.
“It’s like a final,” Xolos Coach Jorge Almiron said after Thursday’s practice. “It’s a critical moment in the tournament and we’re in a good position to face Queretaro.”
The Gallos were on a good streak but that came to a close four games ago. Queretaro has not won games in La Liga MX or the Copa MX since a 1-0 victory over Atlante FC in early September. If Tijuana takes advantage of Queretaro’s down time the rojinegros could take a step towards the playoffs.
“It’s very important that we get the positive result,” Almiron continued. “We’re going after the three points. It’s the final stretch of the tournament. Our challenge is to reach the goal we’ve set for ourselves.”
Almiron also went on to praise the fans whom he expects to fill the stadium during the match.
“Great teams have a great fan base and it’s no different with Tijuana,” Almiron concluded. “They support us by filling the stands. We expect them to come out to support us. They have expectations. They want their team to win. We have to put our best effort forward. This is a good time for us and we expect the fans to come out and support.”
Since their ascent to the first division Tijuana has faced Queretaro four times. The dogs have won on two occasions, lost once and drawn once. Incredibly, Tijuana has won both games at La Corregidora and lost and drew at the Caliente. The loss came in the Clausura 2013.
