Tijuana Xolos Copa MX 2020 Preview: Xolos host Morelia in quarterfinals
Game: Tijuana Xolos vs. Monarcas Morelia
Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico
When: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020
Time: 7:00 p.m. PST
TV: Fox Deportes
The Tijuana Xolos will host Monarcas Morelia for the first-leg of their Copa MX quarterfinal matchup this Tuesday, Feb. 11. The Aztec Canines defeated Atletico San Luis by an aggregate score of 2-0 to get to this quarterfinal stage.
The Xolos are on a terrible four-game winless streak in league play, and the Copa MX seems like the only chance of a title for Club Tijuana this year. The Xoloitzcuintles have a good shot against a struggling Monarcas Morelia team but must get a good result in this first-leg.
Youngster Edgar Lopez scored Tijuana’s lone goal against San Luis in the second-leg as manager Gustavo Quinteros has been using an alternate lineup for this competition. This includes players like Alexis Castro, Bryan Angulo, and Luis Gamiz.
Monarcas Morelia has also been struggling in league play, like Club Tijuana, but is coming off a 3-1 win against Atlas. The team from Michoacan defeated Ascenso MX team Cafetaleros de Chiapas in the round of 16.
However, this win did not come easy as Morelia tied 4-4 against Chiapas on the aggregate score, but La Monarquia took the series in a penalty shootout. Monarcas’ manager Pablo Guede has taken importance to this competition as he used a lineup full of Liga MX starters against Chiapas in the round of 16.
Both teams are not doing great in the Liga MX, as both sides will be motivated to advance to the semifinals of the competition.
Players to Watch
Erick Torres
Torres is not a consistent starter for Club Tijuana but has looked solid recently when he has received an opportunity to play. Torres provided a great assist in the Xolos’ last league game and can score goals for this Club Tijuana team.
Fernando Aristeguieta
Aristeguieta has scored for Morelia in its last league and cup games. The Venezuelan striker is a very physical player as his aerial ability is among his best traits. “El Vikingo” has responded for Monarcas Morelia when he has been given the opportunity, and this is a good chance for him.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 2-1 win for Club Tijuana in this match as the Xolos will have the home-field advantage in this game.
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.