Versión Español

TIJUANA - Following a huge presentation for the new jersey, Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles prepare to open up the season at home with a spectacular encounter with last season's finalist Club America.

The match is scheduled for Friday January 10 at 7:30pm local time from the Estadio Caliente in Tijuana.

This will be the first presentation of new manager Cesar Farias in front of the home crowd, it will also be the first return of Antonio "El Turco" Mohamed to Tijuana where he tasted his first Mexican league title. As well as a deep run in the Copa Libertadores.

Tijuana Xolos made their season debut last week in Guadalajara against Atlas in a match that ended in a 0-0 draw. Tijuana were not able to count on their lethal Argentine striker Dario Benedetto for that game due to suspension, and won't have him for this match against America either.

Following the huge defeat in the two-legged final against Leon, Club America kicked off their season and the "Turco" Mohamed era with a big 3-0 win at home against Tigres, Mohamed has come into the Mexico City side looking to continue what Miguel "Piojo" Herrera had built there in the past two years before leaving to the Mexican National Team. Mohamed has not changed much, and the America team that played week 1 against Tigres looked and played like an exact replica of Herrera's team.

The two sides met just two weeks ago in the only meaningful preseason friendly match for both sides. It was Club America who had been able to jump to a 3-0 lead, but the Tijuana Xolos fought back to end the match in a 3-3 draw in the StubHub Center in Los Angeles, CA.

Last time America visited the Estadio Caliente the walked away with a shocking 2-1 win after center referee had shown two red cards to the visiting America side before the halftime whistle.

Possible Lineups. (Click on image to expand):

Find all Tijuana Xolos news in English here.

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jonny.rico@sandiegored.com (Follow Jonny Rico on Facebook and Twitter)