By halftime of last Saturday’s clash between Chivas and Tijuana, it was fairly easy to say that Xolos were lucky with a 0-0 scoreline. Sure, Paul A
By halftime of last Saturday’s clash between Chivas and Tijuana, it was fairly easy to say that Xolos were lucky with a 0-0 scoreline.
Sure, Paul Arriola hit the crossbar off a dangerous counter, but the opportunity was one seldom seen during the first 45 minutes. It was clear that manager Miguel Herrera wanted a draw in the match, and it showed on the field with his focus on sitting back through the entirety of the clash.
Chivas launched a total of 10 shots during the first half, five of which landed on target. As for Tijuana, Arriola’s attempt was the only one to count from the visiting side.
In what looked like another 3-4-3 formation from Herrera, the manager put an immense amount of responsibility on his two central midfielders, Guido Rodriguez and Joe Corona. While Corona was tasked with helping create attacking moments, Rodriguez was left as the sole disruptor and tackler in the middle of the pitch.
With more of an aim to sit back and absorb pressure, this at times allowed Chivas to sprint forward with far too much space to run in the midfield. Were it not for Rodriguez’s constant tackles, Xolos could have easily lost the game.
The gameplan was a risky one for Herrera and one that invited Chivas to test Xolos’ parked bus. Tijuana had occasional counters, but it was the Guadalajara side that dominated the flow of most of the match.
That is, until the 74th minute. Thanks to a well-placed cross from Paul Arriola, Milton Caraglio headed in Tijuana’s lone goal of the night, which also happened to be the only shot on target from the winners.
Chivas responded with three late substitutions and heavy pressure on Xolos, but it was too little too late from the home club that finished with a total of 17 shots without a goal. Tijuana on the other hand, only had six in the match. After a heroic showing from Xolos’ defense, Tijuana somehow found a way to walk away with an unexpected 1-0 win.
Was Herrera’s approach a practical one? Perhaps not.
Given a rematch with the same circumstances, Chivas would have likely found a way to find the back of the net at least once against Tijuana. Herrera himself was also taking a risk by applying a scrappy style of play that focused on constantly fouling the opposition. Following all 18 fouls, it was surprising to only see three yellows for Xolos.
However, a win is a win, and no matter what is said, that will do nothing to take away the three massive points gained for Herrera and his roster. In fact, with the win in hand, Tijuana is now back at first place in the league standings.
It’s far too early to make playoff or title predictions, but if Xolos have been able to once again take charge of the league, especially without Dayro Moreno or Gabriel Hauche, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be fighting for a Clausura title this year.
Tijuana’s next test will be this Friday when Herrera and company host Cruz Azul at the Estadio Caliente.
Xolos man of the match: Paul Arriola
The kid seems to be gaining confidence with every start that he has been given. Arriola provided the assist to the game-winning goal, nearly had a goal for himself after hitting the crossbar and was a headache defensively for Chivas.
With so much energy in his tank, the 21-year-old was an asset for Xolos in the backline and in the attack.
