Tijuana Xolos: Three takeaways from home opener against Queretaro
The Tijuana Xolos played their first home game of the Liga MX 2019 Apertura season as the Aztec Canines hosted Queretaro at the Estadio Caliente. The atmosphere was great in what was the second-best attendance in Week 2 of the Apertura 2019 at 26,933 spectators.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw as the Tijuana Xolos wasted plenty of scoring opportunities and did enough to walk away with a win. However, the finishing was not on point for Club Tijuana and the team and fans walked away with an unsettling point at home. There was plenty to take in from the result, but here are three takeaways from the home opener at the Mictlan.
Washington Camacho scored, again
Washington Camacho just made his Liga MX debut last weekend against Puebla and now has three goals in three games with the Xoloitzcuintles. The Uruguayan midfielder also scored against the LA Galaxy in the Leagues Cup and has clearly been adapting well to his new surroundings. Camacho is an experienced player at 33 years old, but has proven to be a fantastic signing so far for Club Tijuana so far.
Camilo Sanvezzo is yet to find his rhythm
One of the biggest signings for the Tijuana Xolos in the transfer window was bringing in Camilo Sanvezzo from Queretaro. The Brazilian striker is set to fill the void that Gustavo Bou left with the team, but he really hasn’t done that just yet. Sanvezzo wasted several key chances in Week 1 against Puebla and also failed to make much of an impact in the home opener against Queretaro.
Kevin Balanta continues to be impressive
A big concern for the Xoloitzcuintles last season was a lack of a physical presence in the midfield with the partnership of Diego Rodriguez and Ignacio Rivero. Kevin Balanta played mostly with the U-20 squad last season, but has now started the first two games of the 2019 Apertura season. The Colombian midfielder has looked solid in both games as he had another great performance in the game against Queretaro. The 22-year-old has an immense physical presence, but is also great with his passing as he had a 97 percent pass accuracy on Saturday night.
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.
