At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, Friday night’s match against Toluca will be one of Xolos’ most important games of the regular season. Although
At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, Friday night’s match against Toluca will be one of Xolos’ most important games of the regular season.
Although Tijuana has had its fair share of impressive victories, a win against the current first-place team would speak volumes to media and fans that have at times overlooked the club. Lost behind the news of Chivas’ resurgence, Ricardo La Volpe, America and Tigres, Xolos have quietly been building another superb Liga MX tournament.
Three points gained over Los Diablos Rojos would not only steal some of that much-deserved limelight, but would also essentially guarantee a position in the playoffs.
If Tijuana can reach that 28-point mark by Friday, that would leave eight other teams to compete with for a spot in the Liguilla. Keeping in mind that Xolos would then only need one club to slip up, and that Atlas and Pachuca will battle on Saturday, a place in the playoffs would be set for Tijuana. A draw, depending on a few results this weekend, might also be enough to secure a spot in the top eight.
Playoff positioning aside, the big moment here for Xolos is to provide a convincing performance at home against the best squad in Mexico. Barring a massive tally of goals from Chivas against Cruz Azul, a win for Tijuana would be able to move the team back into first place.
Can Xolos pull off an important victory?
Key to success for Tijuana — Maintain a strong defense
Toluca’s attack is an unassuming one. No player stands out as a true star and no name is recognized at the top of Liga MX’s goalscoring charts. That said, what makes the team’s frontline outstanding is the variety of attacking options in the roster. Gabriel Hauche, Erbin Trejo, Pablo Barrientos and Fernando Uribe are just a few of the names that have helped carry the club to vital wins in 2017.
There is no Andre-Pierre Gignac or Nicolas Castillo to focus on, instead, there is a hard-working squad that will test Xolos’ inexperienced backline.
Following injuries to Michael Orozco and Emanuel Aguilera, Mexican youngsters Carlos Vargas and Hiram Muñoz have had to step in their places. Although there is a possibility that Orozco might be match-ready, Xolos’ defense will still have to rely on the 18-year-old Vargas in the middle of the backline.
Both Muñoz and Vargas have done an excellent job as backups, but will need to continue exceeding expectations in order to help Tijuana on Friday.
Xolos player to watch — Aviles Hurtado
It’s an easy and predictable answer here, but the most obvious one in a crucial game. Hurtado has proven to be the heart and soul of the roster with his leadership in the attack. The Colombian has been brilliant for Xolos and will need to once again take charge in a big match at home.
Is Hurtado the best player of the Liga MX season? A strong performance against Toluca will do plenty to help make a case for the 30-year-old.
Predicted score — Tijuana 1-1 Toluca
This is going to be a tough one for Xolos. As dramatic as it would be for Tijuana to walk away with win here, I’m thinking Toluca’s diversified attack finds a way to sneak one past Xolos’ defense. As for Tijuana, it wouldn’t be surprising if Toluca goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera makes some highlight worthy saves that keeps the home side to just one goal.
Predicted Xolos starting XI:
Edit: Orozco has recently returned to team training and might be given the start on Friday night.
