Tijuana Xolos begin Leagues Cup campaign against Philadelphia Union
Game: Philadelphia Union vs. Tijuana Xolos
Where: Subaru Park, Chester, PA.
When: Saturday, July 22, 2o23
Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
TV: MLS Pass Apple TV, Fox Sports 1, TUDN
The Tijuana Xolos will begin their 2023 Leagues Cup campaign this Saturday, July 22, against the Philadephia Union at Subaru Park in Chester, PA.
The Leagues Cup is a newly introduced tournament that is played between MLS and Liga MX teams, there are 15 groups of three teams, and Club Tijuana are in Group L with Philadelphia Union and Queretaro.
The border city team are coming off their first win of the 2023 Apertura Liga MX season, defeating Cruz Azul 2-1 at home. Goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez is finally back with the Aztec Canines after being with the Mexico national team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, as Rodriguez and Jose de Jesus Corona will now compete for the starting job.
Carlos Gonzalez has been the standout player for Club Tijuana, currently leading the Liga MX with three goals scored in three games played. “Cocoliso” commands a strong physical and aerial presence that has the potential to be lethal against any Liga MX or MLS team. It will be interesting to see which attack Miguel Herrera goes within these upcoming games, as Lucas Cavallini and Carlos Gonzalez seemed to play very well together when they had minutes against Cruz Azul.
The Philadelphia Union has been one of the best MLS teams this season, currently fourth on the MLS table and third on the Eastern Conference table. “The Union Zolos” have won three of their last MLS games and are coming off a 2-1 win against New York City FC at home.
The Union have some of the safest hands in the league, with veteran goalkeeper Andre Blake, who is one of the best at his position in MLS. Philadelphia’s attack has the potential to be explosive at times with the partnership of Julian Carranza, and Daniel Gazdag, who have combined for 19 goals and seven assists this season. Tijuana’s backline, led by Nicolas Diaz, has been solid this season, but there is potential to take advantage of the fullback positions by the Philadelphia offense.
This will be a fantastic test for Miguel Herrera’s team to start this Leagues Cup, with a much less demanding game against Queretaro to come after this match.
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.