TIJUANA -- The local fans are losing patience.

Once more, the city's team endured a defeat at home, falling Sunday 2-0 against Estudiantes Tecos.

Just when Hércules Gómez scored the second goal for Tecos, Xolos fans began to head for the exits, many demanding that coach Joaquín del Olmo be fired.

The Xoloitzcuintles have gone more than three months without winning at Caliente Stadium, which week after week was sold-out.

That was not the case Sunday, with enough empty seats to be noticeable.

The team's unofficial cheer squad known as "La Masakre" was absent from its customary spot, just behind the north goal.

On the field of play, the team's leading scorer, Dayro Moreno, could not score despite having ample opportunities.

The visitors scored their two goals in the second half.

The first came at minute 54, when Argentinian Hugo Colace took advantage of a poor pass from Xolos captain Javier Gandolfi, who had sent the ball to the center of the area, where a Tecos player did not hesitate to send it into the net.

Many fans seemed already dismayed by then. They even began to yell, "Olé, olé!" in support of the rival team.

Xolos players continued to reach the opponents' area but could not find a way to score.

At minute 89, just before the game ended, Estudiantes sealed their win with an excellent pass from Rubens Sambueza to Gómez, who made a cross shot that found the Xolos net.

Fans in the stadium had seen enough and began to support the Tecos, something unprecedented for Tijuana's team.

Next week, the Xolos visit Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to play against the storied Águilas del América, which for their part will have a new coach.

With this defeat, the Xolos sink further toward relegation to the minor league. They are in 17th place out of 18 teams.

Alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com