TIJUANA- The Xoloitzcuintles remain winless at home and continue to sink toward demotion from Mexico's premier league.

Led by a goal from Héctor Reynoso, Chivas de Guadalajara beat the Xolos at home Friday evening to claim first place in the standings in the Apertura tournament before a capacity crowd at Estadio Caliente.

The game was the most anticipated of the season by fans from both sides of the border, who had scrambled to obtain tickets. Some who had waited for hours had protested noisily Tuesday after the team announced that tickets had sold out three hours after going on sale.

For the first time at home this season, the so-called "biggest dog kennel in Tijuana" had a divided public, about half wearing Chivas colors and the others the Xolos red and black.

Chivas dominated most of the game, backed by a solid defense and vertical attack that has put the team atop the league standings.

For their part, the Xolos undoubtedly missed their leading scorer, Dayro Moreno, and star striker, Joe Corona, both invited to play for the Colombian and Mexican national teams, respectively.

The first half was played mostly in the middle of the field, with neither squad ceding the ball.

It was not until minute 40, when Chivas defender Reynoso went on the offensive and took advantage of a corner kick and sent the ball past Xolos goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo to give the visitors a 1-0 edge.

With the goal under their belt, Chivas focused on defense. The Xolos could not score against the second-best defense in the tournament, despite getting some opportunities.

The Chivas used the game to introduce two young players from its minor league system. José Verduzco y Juan Orozco came into the game at minute 77 and 81, respectively, in substitution of Eric Torres and Marco Fabián.

The loss drops

the Xoloitzcuintles to 16th place out of 18 teams; Tijuana has only five points in seven games, and is the leading candidate for demotion.

It remains to be seen what adjustments Tijuana's coach, Joaquín del Olmo, will make and whether his job is at risk after failing to deliver at least one win at home.

Alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com