GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Club Tijuana’s long undefeated home record was under threat for large parts of Friday’s clash vs. Monterrey, but Xolos came from behind late to win 2-1 in Liga MX action, with three Americans involved at Estadio Caliente.
Left back Edgar Castillo was the only player from north of the border to go the full 90 minutes, and the Las Cruces, N.M., native went close in the 28th minute with a right-footed shot that went just wide of Monterrey ‘keeper Jonathan Orozco’s right post.
Los Rayados were the better side for most the game and created multiple chances in the first half, with Xolos striker Herculez Gomez not getting the same kind of service up front for the 60 minutes he was on the field.
Joe Corona came on in the 77th minute for his first appearance in three weeks following an ankle injury and was on the field when Cristian Pellerano headed in Xolos’ winner four minutes from time.
The victory improves Tijuana to 10 points from six games in the Clausura 2014.
In Mexico’s second division, Marco Vidal went 90 minutes in Lobos BUAP’s 1-1 draw with Celaya on Friday, while Ventura Alvarado completed 90 and Sonny Guadarrama went 67 in Nexaca’s 4-3 home loss to Estudiantes Tecos.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. Email him attom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
