Zorros Steal Point Against Eight Man Xolos in Tijuana
Atlas stole a point from an 8 man Xolos squad in a controversial game Saturday night in Tijuana.
Los Zorros remain undefeated in their last four games and remain in the hunt for a Liguilla spot. Xolos also remain unbeaten in their last three games, but this tie has to feel like a loss for the team from Tijuana.
La Academia got on the board first via a Facundo Barcelo header in the 42nd minute. Mauricio Cuero crossed a ball from the left-wing and Barcelo was able to beat his defender and anticipate Manuel Lajud to nudge the ball into the net.
Xolos were able to draw the game before the first half whistle via a VAR verified penalty kick. Leonel Miranda was able to beat Camilo Vargas for the spot with a hard shot right down the middle.
El Xolaje was able to pull ahead in the 70th minute of the game via Camilo Sanvezzo. Ariel Nahuelpan took a first-time left-footed three-fingered shot from just outside the box that hit Vargas’ left post and Sanvezzo was there to pick up the rebound and place the ball in the back of the net.
The joy soon turned into a nightmare for La Jauria as Nahuelpan was shown a red card just three minutes later. Near the end of the game, the VAR made an appearance again and overturned a yellow card given to Kevin Balanta into a red card leaving Xolos with nine men. The crimson rain didn’t end there for Xolos though as just four minutes later Sanvezzo was shown a second yellow leaving the dogs with eight men.
Atlas was able to equalize the game in the last gasp of the game via Manuel Balda. Balda took the ball from about 30 yards out and drilled it to the left of Lajud, who didn’t react in time to save his goal.
The controversial match temporarily places La Academia in ninth place with hopes of Liguilla spot very much alive. Los Zorros will look to continue their unbeaten streak when they host Puebla next Friday.
Xolos will look to continue their own streak going, and pass Atlas on the table when they visit the recently pummeled Santos also on Friday.
