Tijuana Xolos Copa MX 2020 Recap: Xolos draw vs. Morelia, advance to semifinals
Morelia, Mexico
The Tijuana Xolos played the second-leg of their Copa MX quarterfinal matchup against Monarcas Morelia this Tuesday, Feb.18, at the Estadio Morelos. The Xoloitzcuintles had a significant 3-1 lead heading into this second-leg and the border city team was able to maintain it.
Xolos manager Gustavo Quinteros used a lineup with a few key starters like Ignacio Rivero, Miguel Barbieri and Alexis Castro. There were also some youngsters in the lineup like Luis Gamiz as well as role players like Erick Torres.
Gustavo Quinteros played this game intelligently as he opted to defend his lead rather than trying to add to it. The Xolos gave possession to Monarcas Morelia and tried to score via counter attacks during the clash.
The game ended in an uneventful scoreless draw at the Estadio Morelos with Morelia finishing with 65 percent possession. Morelia finished with 13 total shots on the night as Xolos goalkeeper Carlos Higuera had a fantastic performance.
There are plenty of fans that are unhappy with starting goalkeeper Gibran Lajud as it may be time to start Higuera in Liga MX games. The 19-year-old shot-stopper has been a hot prospect since he was underage as he has been great in the Copa MX this year.
The Xolos ended the match with just 35 percent possession and three shots on target as Quinteros parked the bus. The clearest opportunity of the match for Club Tijuana was a counter attack in the final minutes of the match that was stopped by Morelia keeper Angel Malagon.
With this result, the Xolos have advanced to the semifinals of the Copa MX. The Aztec Canines will face either Toluca or Pachuca in the semifinals as the border city team seeks glory.
The Xolos have never won the Copa MX or even made the final of the competition as this team looks to make history.
Xolos Lineup: Carlos Higuera, Vladimir Lorona, Jordan Silva, Miguel Barbieri, Omar Mendoza, Kevin Balanta, Luis Gamiz, Ignacio Rivero, Alexis Castro (57′ Mauro Lainez) Angel Sepulveda (45′ Leabdro Gonzalez-Pirez), Erick Torres (81′ Miller Bolanos)
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.