Tijuana Xolos Advance to Copa MX Quarterfinals and Will Face Pachuca
On Wednesday, the Tijuana Xolos found out which team they will be facing in the Copa MX quarterfinals as Pachuca defeated Zacatepec 5-0 in its round of 16 fixture.
The Tijuana Xolos had a very entertaining win against Monarcas Morelia to reach the quarterfinals of the competition this Tuesday.
Eduardo Coudet’s side had a 2-0 lead with goals from Damian Perez and Juan Lucero, but gave up the lead in the final minutes of the game. Morelia scored two goals within eight minutes. Mexican midfielder Jorge Zarate was the author of both goals. First in the 75th minute via an outside of the box shot, then in the 83rd minute via errors by the Xolos’ defense and goalkeeper Jose Antonio Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was the villain heading into the penalty shootout after the 90 minutes of regulation time were up. The Mexican goalkeeper redeemed himself and came out of the shoot-out as the Xolos’ hero, stopping two penalties as the border city side took a 4-2 win in the penalty shootout.
Club Tijuana achieved the impressive win away from home with only two consistent starters in Eduardo Coudet’s starting XI, Damian Perez and Emanuel Aguilera.
Some notable players like Michael Orozco, Juan Iturbe, and Luis Angel Mendoza still featured in the lineup, showcasing the Xolos’ immense depth.
The Aztec Canines had a solid performance in this round of 16 clash, but will now have a very tough task against Pachuca in the quarterfinals. The game is set to be away from home at the Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca, and Los Tuzos are coming from an impressive 5-0 win against Zacatepec in the round of 16. Pachuca used a very potent lineup in that 5-0 win and will most likely do the same against Los Xolos. The standout player from the game was Japanese superstar, Keisuke Honda, who scored two goals.
The Xoloitzcuintles will continue their playoff push in the Liga MX, currently three points out of a playoff spot in 10th place with 18 points, and will also set their sights on this Copa MX title.
“Chacho” Coudet’s team will go back to Guadalajara to face Chivas this Saturday after suffering a 1-0 loss against Atlas last Friday. The game will be the fourth and final match in this extensive four-game road trip before returning to the Estadio Caliente to host Leon on Nov. 3.
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.