In a tune-up game before the start for the upcoming season Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente defeated the current Liga MX champion Club America, 5-2.
Played at Petco Park, the atmosphere took on the feel of the team’s regular venue at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana with constant chanting and fans wearing Xolos jerseys throughout the stadium.
In the 11th minute Xolos defender Pablo Aguilar scored the first goal of the night with a header. Sixty seconds later Fidel Martinez made a brilliant goal with a diving header. The relentless Xolos found the opponent’s net again as Martinez assisted Diego Olsina for 3-0 and then Emmanuel Cerda to establish a commanding 4-0 lead at the half.
In the second half the relentless Xolos continued attacking, and it was time for Chula Vista native Paul Arriola,18, to show his skills and he seized his chance, scoring the last goal for the Xolos in his first professional goal.
In the 57th minute Luis Gabriel Rey scored for America. Minutes later the Colombia striker added his second goal of the night.
The Xolos show signs to be contenders but only time will tell as the regular season begins July 19.
Arriola, who usually plays for the squad’s Under-20 team, said he was excited to play for Tijuana’s senior squad and that he hopes to earn a permanent spot with them.
“It was good I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start the season,” said Arriola. “Mexico is a great place to play, for young players is a great place to develop.”
A previous version of this story stated the score was 5-0.The Star-News regrets the error.
