GUADALAJARA, Mexico – The time for Club Tijuana’s American players to make a late statement with the World Cup looming is over, with Xolos falling 3-1 to Toluca on Sunday in the second leg of a Liga MX quarterfinal at Estadio Nemesio Díez.
Edgar Castillo went the full 90 minutes and played well as an attacking left back, but Toluca advanced 3-1 over the two legs.
The New Mexico native had a right-foot shot saved by Alfredo Talavera five minutes before halftime and again forced the ‘keeper to work in the 54th minute when he found himself with space in the penalty area.
Joe Corona came on to replace Tijuana’s goalscorer, Darío Benedetto, in the 68th with his side 2-1 down and chasing a draw to advance on away goals.
Toluca’s job became easier when Hernán Pellerano was sent off in the 81st and Edgar Benítez netted his team’s third goal one minute from the final whistle.
Herculez Gomez and Greg Garza were both unused substitutes for Tijuana.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com.
