Xolos gets revenge against Queretaro in Copa MX
After just three days, Tijuana Xolos and Los Gallos Blancos de Queretaro faced off once again in Estadio Caliente but this time for week 1 of Copa MX.
First Half: Queretaro was quick to get great shots on target. Within the first 15 minutes, Queretaro had 2 near goal attempts that developed off a cross from the wings. Xolos goalkeeper Luis Michel was playing a bit outside his box which allowed Queretaro to test his agility and forcing him to rush back and made two acrobatic saves.
Things did not look well for Xolos in the first half as they did not create many opportunities. However, in the 39th minute, Xolos defender Jordan Silva had a chance to clear the ball from the box but passed it his teammate Luis Gamiz. That lack of communication between the two allowed Queretaro striker Enrique Triverio to steal the ball and take a shot which resulted in a near goal. A goal of that error could have hurt Xolos morale before the halftime. Overall, the game was even at halftime with a 0-0 score.
Second Half: Xolos had more fuel in the second half. Xolos were awarded a free kick in the 47th minute; striker Camilo Sanvezzo had a nice look but the ball bounced off the right post. Five minutes after that attempt, Ángel Sepúlveda had another shot from outside the box. It seemed like Xolos beginning to find their rhythm.
Moments later, Queretaro striker Gerson Vazquez had two clear shot in front of the goalkeeper. In the first attempt, he hit the ball with the outside part of his foot causing the ball to go no-where near the goalkeeper. The second attempt seemed more promising, Enrique Triverio & Gerson Vazquez were on a counterattack but after Enrique Triverio passed the ball to Gerson Vazquez and leaving him with an open net chance, Jordan Silva redeemed himself from the first half mistake and was able to clear the ball and deny Gerson Vazquez from opening up the score.
After multiple attempts from both teams, Xolos finally opened the score in the 81st minute. Ángel Sepúlveda put a fantastic cross in the box and Miller Bolaños confused the goalkeeper with a left shot. Six minutes after, Camilo Sanvezzo scored his first goal helping Xolos secure a 2-0 victory over Queretaro.
Most Exciting Player: Camilo Sanvezzo was the most exciting player. Playing against his former team on Saturday and not being able to score a goal nor help his team get a victory must have been tough. Today was a different story, as he had another chance to redeem himself against his former team and contribute to his new team on a 2-0 win.
Letdown Player: Gerson Vazquez had a couple of clear looks for a goal and could not connect on any of them. Gerson is a young player at 17 years old and this game could have potentially been memorable to his coach Victor Vucetich. For now, he will use this game as experience and hope he can learn from his mistake and make the best of the opportunity once the next starting appearance occurs.
