TIJUANA – In the opening game of the 2013 Apertura season of the Liga Bancomer MX the Tijuana Xolos got a stellar performance from their new signing Dario Benedetto who scored three goals, but it wasn't enough fore the Xoloitzcuintles to take the win.

The home side came out a pressured visiting Atlas right from the start. It was mentioned this week that pressure to recuperate the ball and not let Atlas get a comfortable feel to the new synthetic grass was going to be key. Just six minutes into the game an the Xolos had grabbed the lead via their newsiest member Dario Benedetto. The Argentine received a bouncing pass at the edge of the box and chipped the charging goalkeeper

The Xolos were close to doubling their lead in the 15th minute, Fernando Arce unleashed a log distance shot that struck the crossbar. But two minutes later that second goal came through. Once again Argentine Dario Benedetto got on the score sheet taking advantage of a bad defensive mistake by Atlas' Oscar Raso who tried to head back the ball.

With out playing well at all Atlas found a life line in the game. In the 27th minute during a simple cross into the box, Aldo Polo ends up kicking Atlas' Jair Barraza, referee had no choice but to award the penalty kick. Vicente Matias Vuoso stepped up and scored the PK to make the score 2-1.

The Tijuana Xolos came out with the same intensity to start the second half. They controlled the possession of the ball and drove Atlas back into their own field. In the 64th minute second half substitute and Chula Vista native who was making his professional debut took the ball in midfield, split two defender and sent the ball to Dario Benedetto so the Argentine could round the keeper and tap in his "Hat-Trick".

Once again Atlas out of no where found another life line, this time Vicente Matias Vuoso "bicycle kicked bad clearness after having controlled with his chest. The ball found the bottom corner of the goal to make the score 3-2 in the 69th minute.

In the 83rd minute Vicente Matias Vuoso once again appeared for the visiting team. This time he dribbled around the goalkeeper and laid off the ball for Edson Rivera to smash in the equalizing goal.

The Tijuana Xolos will now have a week off since their game against Club America in Mexico City was postponed due to the amount of National Team players Club America currently has with Mexico at the Gold Cup. The next game for Xolos will be at the Estadio Caliente on Tuesday July 30.

Stay up to date on all Tijuana Xolos News here.

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