Xolos Aim to End Drought Against Santos

The embattled Tijuana Xolos have a prime opportunity to snap their 13-game winless streak when they welcome Santos Laguna to the Estadio Caliente on Friday night. The Border City Dogs have been flirting with victory for several weeks now but have consistently failed to get over the hump, exemplified by their dramatic 3-3 draw against Pumas UNAM last weekend.

Manager Miguel Herrera has steadfastly refused to throw in the towel despite his side’s struggles. However, the former Mexico boss will be feeling the heat if Xolos cannot capitalize on their home advantage against the inconsistent Santos outfit. Tijuana has claimed just two points from a possible 15 at the Mictlan this season.

Veteran midfielder Christian Rivera has almost single-handedly kept Xolos afloat during this torrid stretch, scoring all four of the team’s goals from the penalty spot. The 34-year-old Colombian’s hat trick of spot-kicks against Pumas salvaged a point after the hosts had fallen behind 3-1 despite playing with a man advantage for over an hour.

While Rivera has been a rare bright spot, Xolos’ lack of creativity and goal threat from open play has been a glaring issue. Herrera will be desperate to see more incisive play from attackers like Efrain Alvarez and Gustavo Bou, both of whom were recalled to Mexico’s U-23 and senior national team squads respectively for the March international window.

At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez has validated his status as one of the Mexican league’s premier shot-stoppers. The 27-year-old was a surprising omission from Mexico’s Nations League roster despite his excellent form between the posts.

Santos Laguna arrive in Tijuana hitting their stride after stringing together three straight victories, including an eye-catching 3-0 demolition of struggling giants Cruz Azul. However, that winning run has merely propelled Los Guerreros into 12th place in the congested Liga MX table.

The visitors’ attack has lacked consistency this term, failing to score in four consecutive games prior to their recent purple patch in front of goal. Much of the scoring burden has fallen on the young shoulders of Jordan Carrillo, Diego Medina and Santiago Munoz – all of whom earned U-23 call-ups for El Tri’s Olympic qualifying campaign.

That youthful attacking trio provides an exciting, if somewhat erratic, goal threat. Santos will need to lean on experienced heads such as captain Brian Lozano to guide them through what is sure to be a white-hot atmosphere in Tijuana for this potential make-or-break clash for the hosts.

While the respective form guides suggest a home win could be in the offing, the chaotic nature of both teams’ seasons render any prediction fraught with uncertainty. What is clear is that the Xolos simply cannot afford to let this opportunity slip through their grasp if they harbor any realistic hopes of resuscitating their bitterly disappointing campaign.