For those who have yet to do so, it’s time to readjust the bar for Tijuana. After months of exciting futbol during the past couple of seasons, it’s
For those who have yet to do so, it’s time to readjust the bar for Tijuana.
After months of exciting futbol during the past couple of seasons, it’s clear that Xolos are far from recreating that same thrilling magic in the near future. Many loyal fans have already heard this enough, but changes from the summer have made things very difficult in the 2017 Apertura.
Without Aviles Hurtado, Milton Caraglio, Guido Rodriguez, Paul Arriola and former manager Miguel Herrera, the team has unfortunately gone through drastic changes. There is hope with many of the unfamiliar faces that arrived afterwards, including new coach Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet, but recent results indicate that it will take some time for the team to reach its full potential.
However, although it has been tough to pinpoint, there are gradual signs of progress from the current worst team in the league.
In Tijuana’s 1-1 draw with Puebla last week, Coudet gained his first point of the Apertura. Up top, the much-hyped Gustavo Bou was able to score his first goal while wearing a Xolos jersey. Other key players such as Gibran Lajud and Ignacio Malcorra also began to show more confidence after a poor start to the tournament. Overall, there was also much-needed chemistry that was starting to build within Tijuana’s roster.
The tie wasn’t pretty, but there were small hints of what Coudet has been desperately seeking for on the field. Does that then mean Xolos will get a win against Santos this Friday? Perhaps.
Coudet has yet to figure out what his best starting XI is, and that lack of regular consistency could hurt Tijuana. There’s also the question regarding his starting formation. A 4-4-2 doesn’t seem to be the right answer and there’s no telling if he will utilize it once again this Friday.
That said, there are plenty of reasons for Xolos fans to remain cautiously optimistic. Albeit slowly, progress is being made by Coudet. This doesn’t guarantee three points for Xolos, but looking at recent improvements in the Copa MX and regular season, gradual momentum could push the team to a win this Friday.
Key to success for Xolos — Control midfielder Osvaldo Martinez
Of Santos’ six goals this season, Martinez has had a role in four of them. With three assists and one goal, the midfielder is easily one of the most influential members of the opposition’s roster.
Santos have a number of attacking options that can do damage to Tijuana, but if Coudet can find a way to quiet Martinez, a vital source of distribution and energy will be cut off from the visiting side.
Looking at Xolos’ attack, the team should also prioritize keeping the ball on the ground. With Nestor Araujo and Jorge Enriquez taking charge in the center of Santos’ backline, Tijuana might want to avoid crosses against the tall and strong defenders.
Xolos player to watch — Damian Musto
It’s time for Musto to truly step up. After a few average performances as one of Tijuana’s defensive midfielders, the Argentine must begin to prove that he is worthy of his starting role. The 30-year-old has occasionally shown that he is very talented, but has yet to dominate his area on the field that can feel porous and fragile.
On Friday, Musto will have a big chance to shine when Martinez makes runs through the middle of the pitch. If the Santos player is restrained, Xolos will then have a great chance of walking away with their first victory of the regular season.
Predicted Xolos starting XI
Coudet has yet to stick with a regular starting XI, so I think we will at least see a couple of changes after the draw with Puebla. Like usual, let’s see if a starting roster will either be leaked or confirmed ahead of the clash against Santos.
Predicted score — Tijuana 2-1 Santos
This isn’t going to be easy, but if Xolos maintain their gradual momentum, they should be able to walk away with a win during Week 5. Big performances from Gibran Lajud, Musto and Bou can do plenty to help Tijuana earn its first victory of the Apertura.
