Tijuana Xolos Liga MX 2020 Clausura Recap: Xolos begin season with win vs. Santos Laguna
Tijuana, Mexico
The Tijuana Xolos started their Liga MX 2020 Clausura campaign this Friday, Jan. 10, against Santos Laguna at the Estadio Caliente. The Xoloitzcuintles were the underdogs heading into the match but dealt with that label as Club Tijuana came away with a 2-1 win.
New Manager Gustavo Quinteros used an odd lineup that featured some of the new signings like Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez and Alfonso Sanchez. The starting XI also featured players like Camilo Sanvezzo, Mauro Lainez, and Cesar Falletti, who were not consistent starters last season.
The Xolos started the scoring in the duel with a goal from the penalty mark in the 37th minute. VAR awarded the penalty, and it was very questionable as it was not clear if there was a foul on the play.
The first half of the game ended 1-0 in Xolos’ favor as the first 45 minutes were not the best with a lot of midfield duels. The Second half improved massively as both teams had an offensive mindset from the get-go.
Santos Laguna struck first in the second half with a fantastic goal off a free kick by defender Matheus Doria. However, the game did not remain tied for long as Mauro Lainez scored a marvelous goal in the 51st minute.
The Mexican forward fired a shot from about 25 yards out that found the back of the net. Ths shot was fired with a lot of power and precision as the sphere sunk to defeat Jonathan Orozco.
The Xolos were able to retain the lead as Manager Gustavo Quinteros brought on Christian Rivera, Miguel Barbieri, and Erick Torres as substitutes in the second half. The Xolos came away with the huge victory as the border city team was not expected to walk away with the three points in the season-opener.
The Xoloitzcuintles had a perfect start to the new campaign as the team will go into their Week 2 matchup against Queretaro with some confidence.
Xolos’ Lineup: Gibran Lajud, Omar Mendoza, Jordan Silva, Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez, Aldo Cruz, Ignacio Rivero, Alfonso Sanchez, Cesar Falletti (59′ Christian Rivera), Mauro Lainez (83′ Miguel Barbieri), Miller Bolanos, Camilo Sanvezzo (88′ Erick Torres)
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.
