Rayados lose first game of their Liga MX season to Xolos
Tijuana took down the last undefeated team in Liga MX by beating Monterrey 1-0 at Caliente Stadium. In a matchup that pitted two top ten teams, Tijuana took advantage of their home field and neutralized the second-best offense in the league. Los Rayados came in unbeaten in Liga play accumulating six wins, and four draws, while Los Xolos came in having won four of their last five games.
Monterrey looked to get the scoring started early when, in the seventh minute, Dorlan Pabon took a pass from Miguel Layun and unleashed a right-footed shot from just outside the box that was saved by Manuel Lajud. Xolos responded in the 11th minute when Marcelo Barovero saved Fabian Castillo’s right-footed strike.
The most dangerous play of the first half came courtesy of Monterrey in the 41st minute of the game. Aviles Hurtado dribbled into the 18-yard box and passed to a wide open Pabon, who took a one-time shot from just inside the box that sailed high and right of Lajud’s goal.
Los Rayados started the second half just like they ended the first and nearly opened the scoring in the 57th minute. Miguel Layun placed a free kick over the wall and near the right corner, but Lajud made a spectacular one-handed save to deny the former Villarreal man the glory.
Los Xolos finally opened the scoring in the 67th minute on a fantastic give-and-go play. Miller Bolanos took a pass in the half moon of the box, passed to Gustavo Bou who with the return pass eliminated three Monterrey defenders and Barovero, and left Bolanos alone to tap the ball into the net.
Los Rayados continued to attack relentlessly, but Tijuana’s goal would not fall, as Lajud put up a stellar performance between the bars.Tijuana will no doubt look to continue their momentum going into the International Break, and continue their good form when they visit Las Aguilas del America March 27th for the Copa MX.
La Pandilla will look to right the ship as they face a Cruz Azul team coming off a 4-1 trumping of Pachuca, Saturday, March 30th in Monterrey.
