Tijuana Xolos Liga MX 2019 Apertura Preview: Xolos host Queretaro for home opener
Credit: El Diario
Game: Tijuana Xolos vs. Queretaro
When: Saturday, July 27, 2019
Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico
Time: 7:06 P.M. PST
TV: Fox Deportes
The Tijuana Xolos will host Queretaro at the Estadio Caliente for their home opener in the Liga MX 2019 Apertura this Saturday, July 27. The game is set to be an exciting clash for the home fans, but the Xolos are the favorites with the better overall team and the home-field advantage.
The Aztec Canines started the 2019 Apertura tournament with a solid 3-1 away win against Puebla and will look to keep that form going in this game. However, the Xolos did suffer a loss to the LA Galaxy on penalties in the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup during the week.
In Liga MX play, the Xolos’ offense was fueled by some of the newest players on the team as Washington Camacho, and Angel Sepulveda scored for Club Tijuana against Puebla. Argentine striker Ariel Nahuelpan was arguably the best player on the night against Puebla as he scored a goal and really led Tijuana’s offense going forward. Some of the newer players on the team like Camilo Sanvezzo are still trying to fit into the squad, but it was a nice start for the Xoloitcuintles in the new season.
Queretaro also had a nice start to the 2019 Apertura as Los Gallos Blancos defeated Toluca 2-0 away from home. Two former Xolos’ players in Fabian Castillo and Alonso Escoboza scored for Victor Vucetich’s team to secure the three points in Week 1.
Queretaro is not a team that is expected to be in the playoffs, but experienced manager Victor Manuel Vucetich has a lot to offer to the team and has been known to be a great motivator. Queretaro was active in the transfer window adding players like experienced centre-back Jair Pereira, former Xolo’ Fabian Castillo, and Ghanian midfielder Clifford Aboagye. Some of the players that were already on the team like Ayron Del Valle and Ake Loba are also solid players, and this team does have dark horse potential this season.
Players to Watch
Ariel Nahuelpan
Nahuelpan had an immense performance in the season opener and will need to stay consistent with Gustavo Bou’s absence at Club Tijuana. The Argentine striker is one of the most imposing players in the Liga MX, and he can strike fear to any backline in the Liga MX with his physical presence and potent shot.
Ayron Del Valle
The Colombian forward was one of the best strikers in the Colombian league before coming over to Queretaro, and he has shown flashes of his talent so far. “Ayronman” has very good finishing abilities, but can also be very technical and creative as well.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 2-1 win for the Tijuana Xolos as the Xoloitzcuintles will have the massive home-field advantage and do have a better squad than Queretaro.
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.