GUADALAJARA, Mexico – US international Herculez Gomez took to the field in a competitive game for the first time in over two months on Friday.
The forward – wearing the No. 9 shirt - played the first 45 minutes for Club Tijuana’s Under-20s in its 3-1 victory against Cruz Azul.
Gomez is in line to make his official first team debut next Thursday when Xolos take on Victoria in Tijuana in the CONCACAF Champions League.
In Tijuana’s first team game against the same opposition, Edgar Castillo started and went 90 minutes in his usual left back role, combining well with left winger Fidel Martínez as Xolos drew 0-0 in the Estadio Caliente in a tight game with few chances.
Texan Greg Garza came off the bench in the 73rd and initially played on the left hand side of midfield, swapping with Castillo after 10 minutes and keeping possession well.
Joe Corona was an unused sub for Tijuana, with young winger Paul Arriola not in the 18.
The point for Xolos moves them temporarily into ninth place in the Liga MX, one spot off the playoff positions.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
