GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Jose Torres is back after suspension and is likely to feature for Tigres UANL in their trip to Estadio Caliente to take on Club Tijuana and their American horde on Friday (10:30 pm ESPN Deportes) in what is in effect a shootout to remain in the playoff race.
Both clubs are four points off eighth place, although Tigres do have a game in hand, and it would be no surprise if Herculez Gomez starts, considering Tijuana needs goals.
Also in contention for Xolos are Joe Corona, Greg Garza, Paul Arriola and Edgar Castillo.
On Saturday in Estadio Azteca, Michael Orozco Fiscal returns with his Puebla team to the stadium he inflicted defeat on Mexico in August 2012. The recovered DaMarcus Beasley should also partake in some capacity.
La Franja take on a Club América side in first place in the league, but without a total of 10 players, who are with the Mexico squad as they prepare for next month’s World Cup playoff against New Zealand. Neither American has experienced the playoffs with Puebla, who are three points off the liguilla places.
In the Ascenso MX, Marco Vidal's Lobos BUAP could move into a playoff position with a victory at home on Saturday over Alebrijes (7 pm ET). Jesus Padilla's Dorados are at Merida (7 pm ET) and are one point off the liguilla after 11 games in Mexico’s second division.
Necaxa’s American duo Sonny Guadarrama and Ventura Alvarado have their sights on moving into top spot this weekend when Los Rayos host Delfines (Friday, 9 pm ET).
In Honduras, Kevin Hoyos and Victoria travel away to Platense on Sunday (4 pm ET), while, in Costa Rica, Moises Hernandez and Saprissa host Puntarenas (noon ET).
Down in South America, Freddy Adu missed out on Bahia’s Copa Sudamericana game against Colombia’s Atlético Nacional on Thursday and is unlikely to feature on Sunday when his side plays Atlético PR at home in Brazil’s first division.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
