Tijuana Xolos Liga MX 2020 ClausuraPreview: Xolos host Pachuca, despite coronavirus concerns
Credit: LIGA MX
Game: Tijuana Xolos vs. Pachuca
Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico
When: Friday, March 13, 2020
Time: 8:10 p.m. PST
TV: Fox Sports 2, ESPN Deportes
The Tijuana Xolos will host Pachuca at the Estadio Caliente this Friday, March 13, for a game in the 10th round of matches in the Liga MX. The Liga MX shows no signs of being suspended despite the coronavirus pandemic. All games this weekend will continue as usual with fans in attendance.
Most top soccer leagues in the world have suspended operations along with prestigious American sports leagues like the MLB, NBA, NCAA, and more. The Liga MX will go on for now as the Xolos try and get out of a horrid eight-game winless streak in league play.
The border city team is coming off a 4-2 loss to Cruz Azul at the Estadio Azteca as the problems this year have not just been on the road. The Xolos have lost their last two home league games and have inclusively failed to score in these games.
The Xoloitzciuintles did reach the Copa MX final for the first time in franchise history by defeating Toluca during the week, but the Liga MX is still a significant concern for the Aztec Canines. Ignacio Rivero and Erick Torres scored for Club Tijuana against Cruz Azul, but the offense has specifically struggled this season with just seven goals scored.
Pachuca has had a decent season so far, currently in eighth place with 14 points. Los Tuzos are coming off a 1-0 win against Santos Laguna and are enjoying a fantastic four-game undefeated streak. Pachuca’s backline, along with goalkeeper Oscar Ustari have specifically shined in this run with only one goal allowed. The strike partnership of Colin Kazim-Richards and Franco Jara has also looked great this season with a combined seven goals scored.
Players to Watch
Mauro Lainez
The Xolos’ attack has been dismal as players like Miller Bolanos and Camilo Sanvezzo have really been disappointing. Mauro Lainez has been one of the better players going forward for Club Tijuana this season as he had a solid game against Cruz Azul last week. The young Mexican forward has speed and a decent shot on him as he can break down this Pachuca backline.
Franco Jara
Jara has scored five goals this season as he has been one of the better strikers in the Liga MX. The Argentine forward is Pachuca’s all-time leading goalscorer and just keeps on adding to that mark. Jara is not very fast, but his physicality and positioning make him a fantastic striker in the Liga MX.
Prediction
EVT predicts a 1-1 draw in this match as Pachuca has a more well-balanced team, but Club Tijuana has the home-field advantage.
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.