Saturday night’s match for Tijuana was already done by halftime. Desperate for points in the playoff race, Tigres hit the ground running at home wi
Saturday night’s match for Tijuana was already done by halftime.
Desperate for points in the playoff race, Tigres hit the ground running at home with three goals in the first 44 minutes. Xolos’ backline failed to keep up with the Nuevo Leon team, and while Tigres were thriving in the attack, Tijuana was left without a single shot on target in the first half.
Xolos manager Miguel “Piojo” Herrera was able to inspire a more threatening response in the last 45 minutes, but it was too little too late from the visiting side. Tigres did a fantastic job of absorbing Tijuana’s movement up the pitch and had no real trouble as the match neared its final stages.
The loss, which was Xolos’ first in the Clausura since March 3rd, snapped the club’s five-game unbeaten run.
Here are three talking points following the defeat.
1. Perez and Caraglio were missed
As stagnant as Milton Caraglio may appear to be in most starts for Xolos, the Argentine was sorely missed. Juan Martin Lucero, who replaced the injured striker, failed to have much of an impact in the attack and struggled to help create dangerous opportunities. It may not be the most glamorous role, but Xolos were in need of a strong and physical target forward like Caraglio on Saturday.
At left-back, Juan Carlos Nuñez at times appeared lost in Damian Perez’s usual starting spot. Nuñez was far too quiet defensively and a bit too conservative going forward. In a match where Tijuana was in serious need of support in the attack, Xolos needed a more risk-taking name like Perez, who is also recovering from an injury.
2. Tigres were a reality check for Tijuana’s defense
During the past few weeks, Xolos have done quite well for a team with several injury problems in the backline. Young names like Carlos Vargas and Hiram Muñoz stepped up and took charge with highly-impressive performances.
On Saturday, it was difficult to find very many positives for any member of the defense.
Granted, the loss was against arguably the most talented roster in Mexico, but it was a harsh reminder of what the squad might run into during the upcoming playoffs. With a title up for grabs, other noteworthy clubs like Monterrey, Chivas and America will prove to be just as daunting and difficult as Tigres.
Even if Michael Orozco and Perez are fully fit for the Liguilla, that still leaves a young name such as the 18-year-old Vargas with a massive amount of responsibility in the backline.
3. Xolos need to bounce back with a win in their final match
During the end of the 2016 Apertura, Xolos found themselves in a similar situation. The team was superb during the regular season, racking up countless goals that helped earn an early spot in the playoffs.
Yet, after an incredible run, the squad stumbled with two losses before the Liguilla against Tigres and Veracruz. With little momentum after the defeats, it came as no surprise to see Xolos stumble in the first round of the playoffs against Leon.
Now, Tijuana is set to once again face off against Veracruz before a return to the Liguilla. Recognizing the value of late tournament morale in the hopes for a league title, Herrera must push for a convincing win that makes a statement towards a league. A victory that may even clinch another position as the No. 1 seed heading into the next round.
If not, the team might relive similar consequences from late last year.
Xolos man of the match — None
For the first time, I can’t comfortably select one player from Tijuana. Joe Corona, Guido Rodriguez and Gibran Lajud had occasional moments of brilliance, but neither one was dominant enough to earn praise.
With one game left in the regular season, Xolos fans will need to hope that the squad picks up its form before the playoffs.
