Xolos opens season with valuable road victory
Tijuana Xolos came up victorious in a tough road matchup vs. Puebla to open up the season with three points.
Puebla striker Cristian Tabo opened up the score with a goal in the 14th minute assisted by Lucas Daniel Cavallini on a through ball leaving Tabo on a one-vs.-one against Xolos goalkeeper Manuel Lajud where Tabo was able to the cut right and juke the goalkeeper to score Puebla’s first goal of the game and the season.
Ten minutes later, Xolos answered with a shot from Ariel Nahuelpan and Puebla’s goalkeeper Nicolas Vikonis saved it, but an unlucky bounce allowed Xolos new signing, Washington Camacho to score his first Liga MX goal.
The game was very balanced in the first half from both teams and ended 1-1 halftime. The second half kicked off with two back-to-back Xolos opportunities that nearly ended with goals. Puebla responded with two plays of their own including a free kick that almost created a chance to break the tie. But in the 78th minute, Nahuelpan was able to score on a wide-open header from a Miller Bolanos cross to make it a 2-1 in favor of Xolos.
Puebla had not given up, yet they were not able to find any opportunities to give their team a chance for the equalizer. Then in the 90th minute, Angel Sepulveda was subbed in for Washington Camacho. With fresh legs, Angel was able to out-beat a long pass from his goalkeeper to head the ball over Vikokins to make it a convincing win 3-1 victory for Xolos.
Key Player:
Washington Camacho was the hero of the game. He put up fantastic numbers in his first Liga MX game and helped his team secure their first 3 points. With this performance, he earned the player of the match.
Biggest disappointment:
Xolos newest attacker, Camilo Sanvezzo, did not play his best game. He was subbed out in the 68th minute, after not having any shots on target. Perhaps it will take him a few games to adjust to his new team. However, Xolos needs him ready for their next match vs. the LA Galaxy this upcoming Tuesday as they get ready for the first game of the Leagues Cup.
