GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente continue their winning streak as they defeated Chivas de Guadalajara 2-0 at Omnilife stadium on Saturday. Xolos won their first away game during the Clausura 2012 season and are on a good track to remain in the first division at the end of the tournament.
The victory is the Xolos’ second this season and are on an 11 game streak where they have earned points. This victory places Xolos and Toluca at the top of the league table with seven points of a possible nine disputed so far.
“We need 15 more points to remain in the first division,” said Xolos Coach Antonio Mohamed to ESPN Deportes. “We need to reach 40 points at the end of the season. That forces Tecos and Atlas to have to earn 31 points, which makes it more difficult for them.”
The Aztec canine squad took the field with full intentions of earning points as they are trying to avoid relegation at the end of the season. It was Chivas who played to score first, with strikes from long distance by Marco Fabian. These were no match for Xolos goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo who despite the clean sheet had a busy night.
Xolos began with a patient style, waiting for their time to lead on the pitch. While Chivas had the hierarchy with their history in the sport, it was Xolos players, American Edgar Castillo and Uruguayan international Egidio Arevalo, who took command of the midfield.
A set piece brought about the first goal as Argentine striker Jose Sand kicked in a loose ball from Chivas goalkeeper Luis Michel. The keeper received the center but failed to control the sphere. He dropped the ball and Sand ran in to drive it in to the net for the 1-0.
The local squad would not give up and they continued to hound Saucedo’s area, but lacked control in their final approach. At half time the stadium jeered Chivas as they left the pitch.
In the 76th minute of play Fabian beat Saucedo and placed a ball between his legs that rolled to the goal, but a defender cleared the ball before it crossed the line to tie the game, it was Chivas’ best option for a goal during the game.
The Xolos were not as forgiving in their play. Colombian Duvier Riascos moved in on Michel from his right and took the shot. The ball deflected off Sand and entered the net to make the game 2-0 in the 84th minute of play.
In the final action of the game, Fabian took a free kick that forced Saucedo to dive to keep his net scoreless. Xolos won the match 2-0, while Chivas were once again jeered by their home crowd as they walked off the field.
At the end of the round, Xolos, Club Santos Laguna and Toluca hold the top position in the league table with seven points each. Toluca leads over all with more goals scored, as the differential is +3 for them and Xolos.
Tecos and Atlas Sink, Queretaro Revives
On Friday night Estudiantes Tecos UAG managed to earn their first point of the season when they tied against Club America at the Tres de Marzo stadium in Guadalajara. The point gave Tecos hope, but they are too far down the table to have passed Atlas with a tie.
On Saturday, Queretaro and Atlas faced each other in the first duel between teams fighting to avoid relegation. Queretaro defeated Atlas 2-1 sinking the Guadalajara team and temporarily putting themselves above Xolos. However, Xolos’ victory over Chivas placed the border town squad above Queretaro and moved them further away from the relegation spot.
Other Results for Week 3
Friday: Monarcas Morelia 2, San Luis FC 0; Estudiantes Tecos UAG 1, America 1
Saturday: Cruz Azul 1, Pachuca 1; Monterrey 1, Pumas UNAM 1; Santos 1, Chiapas 0
Sunday: Puebla 1, Atlante 2; Toluca 2, Tigres UANL 1
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