Tijuana Xolos Apertura 2019 Preview: Xolos visit unstable Club America at Estadio Azteca
Game: Club America
When: Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019
Where: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
Time: 5:00 P.M. PST
TV: TUDN, Univision
The Tijuana Xolos will play their third game of the Liga MX 2019 Apertura season this Saturday, Aug. 3, as the Aztec Canines travel to Mexico City to face Club America at the historic Estadio Azteca. The Border City Dogs are undefeated in Liga MX play, coming off a 1-1 draw against Queretaro at the Estadio Caliente.
The Xoloitzcuintles played well in that game as Washington Camacho scored his second goal of the campaign to get the point at home. However, the Xolos did waste several key scoring opportunities against Queretaro and will try to improve their finishing in this match.
The Aztec Canines also played Queretaro during the week in the Copa MX as Club Tijuana won 2-0 and Camilo Sanvezzo scored his first goal with the team. Oscar Pareja has been maintaining the same starting lineup in league play, and that is not likely to change with a tough task in Mexico City.
The Xoloitzcuintles have historically struggled in the capital, but they will have a good chance in this game as Club America is undergoing a transitional phase with several key players departing the club. Star goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin recently joined Porto in Portugal, and it seems that Colombian international Mateus Uribe will join him soon.
There is currently no replacement for either player, and it seems that Oscar Jimenez will get his first minutes in net after quite some time. Jimenez has never really been a fulltime starter in the Liga MX, and this is a huge concern for Club America heading into this match.
As for Uribe’s replacement in the midfield, manager Miguel Herrera has a few more options and will likely use youngster Sebastian Cordova. Las Aguilas still have one of the better teams in the Liga MX with players like Guido Rodriguez, Roger Martinez, and Nicolas Castillo.
Club America has four points this season like Club Tijuana, coming off a disappointing scoreless draw against Leon away from home. However, America was fantastic in Week 1, achieving an impressive 4-2 win against Monterrey at the Estadio Azteca.
Players to Watch
Camilo Sanvezzo
With Oscar Jimenez in net for Club America, the Xolos will need to test him and fire shots from range. Camilo Sanvezzo has one of the best strikes in the league and can be lethal from free kicks with his cannon. The Brazilian’s confidence will also be up after scoring his first goal with the team in the Copa MX and will need to provide a similar performance in this clash.
Roger Martinez
The Colombian forward is just one of the pieces in Club America’s attack, but he is arguably the most dangerous with his speed and shot. Martinez is hard to stop on the left-wing and Xolos’ fullback Omar Mendoza will have his hands full, especially if he pushes up the pitch.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 3-2 win for Club America as this should prove to be a very exciting match, but Los Azulcremas just simply have the better team.
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.