Although the Clausura season is officially over, that hasn’t stopped a recent surge of news regarding Xolos. Ahead of preparations for the upcoming 20
Although the Clausura season is officially over, that hasn’t stopped a recent surge of news regarding Xolos. Ahead of preparations for the upcoming 2017 Apertura tournament, here are some updates for Tijuana that you might have missed.
Player transfers
Earlier this week, Liga MX representatives met in Cancun for this summer’s league draft.
Set in a luxurious hotel, the “draft” is a short and chaotic meet-up between team representatives who spend hours making negotiations for player transfers and transactions. The draft is also infamous for sometimes trading players without their knowledge or consent.
Nevertheless, here are some of the roster changes for Xolos that occurred.
Out: Guido Rodriguez (Club America — transfer), Juan Carlos Medina (Lobos BUAP — loan from Atlas), Carlos Vargas (Club America — transfer), Aviles Hurtado (Monterrey — transfer), Milton Caraglio (Atlas — transfer).
Ouch! Xolos ownership completely stripped apart the roster and let go of several key players before the upcoming season. Names such as Rodriguez and Hurtado were arguably the best and most influential in the squad while others like Vargas and Caraglio were also excellent in support.
Also worth noting is the departure of young Americans Amando Moreno and John Requejo, who will now be playing with Dorados in the second division. Initial reports indicate that the move for the two first-team players will be a loan.
Even if Tijuana adds in a couple of noteworthy names throughout the summer, it’s going to be difficult to replace a few standout options.
In: Mauricio Cuero (loan from Santos Laguna), Jose Antonio Rodriguez (loan from Chivas), Luis Angel Mendoza (loan from Chiapas).
Not exactly the most exciting haul for Tijuana. Cuero, who was a backup player for Santos Laguna, has the capabilities to become an intriguing attack-minded midfielder. In net, Rodriguez should be able to provide some competition to current starter Gibran Lajud. Looking at the attack, “Quick” Mendoza should be a decent and versatile figure in the midfield or frontline.
After some confusion during the night of the draft, Puebla striker Alexis Canelo is also reported to be joining Xolos, but there has yet to be an official confirmation from either clubs or the league.
Rumors: Gustavo Bou and Damian Musto
The list of rumored named for Xolos is a long one, but both Bou and Musto appear to be the ones that are most frequently mentioned. Bou, who is currently a striker for Racing in Argentina, is currently reported by some to be close to signing for Xolos. A defensive midfielder like Musto would also be a welcome addition for a Xolos side that is now missing players such as Rodriguez and Medina.
June friendly
Eager to watch Xolos and impatient until the start of the Apertura next month? Luckily for you, Tijuana will be taking part in a friendly on June 30th against Cuervos J.A.P.
The exhibition match in Ensenada’s Estadio Valle Dorado will also feature a friendly between the women’s teams from each organization. I have yet to see anything regarding tickets for the event, but I imagine that we will get information during the next couple of weeks.
Nuestro primer duelo amistoso será ante @cuervos_jap. ¡Allá nos vemos en Ensenada! #FuerzaTijuas pic.twitter.com/17j6GgkbAz
— Xolos (@Xolos) June 8, 2017
Update on XoloPass
For those wishing to renew or get a season pass for the upcoming tournament, be sure to check out the following dates and info. (Image via Club Tijuana)
Alright, that’s all the news for now. Be sure to stay tuned to see what other updates we get from Xolos next week!
