GUADALAJARA – Mexico’s soccer world was turned on its head as the Xolos beat Chivas 2-0 Saturday night, leaving Tijuana’s team tied for first in the general standings, and Guadalajara’s relegated to the bottom.

Tijuana’s record stands at 2 wins 1 tie while Chivas, one of Mexico’s most popular teams, has lost all three games so far this season, its worst start in club history.

As a result, the Chivas’ coach, Fernando Quirarte, resigned after the match.

His team could not beat a stubborn Xolos defense, led by goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo, who saved Tijuana’s team on more than one occasion.

The victory stretches Club Tijuana’s winning streak to four months, when Antonio Mohamed took over the team.

At minute 16, Xolos forward José Sand took advantage of mistake by the Chivas’ goalkeeper, Luis Michel. The goalie had intercepted a ball that had been deflected by teammate Kristian Álvarez toward the center but then he dropped it. All Sand had to do was push into the net to put the Xolos ahead.

Tijuana’s team played aggressively in the first half, and appeared to be on the verge of scoring once more. At minute 30, Xolos forward Duvier Riascos had an opportunity to score but failed.

Tijuana spent the rest of the match defending against Chivas, which never found a way to get on the board.

The Chivas mounted their greatest threat at minute 76, when a shot by Marco Fabián passed under the legs of Xolos goalie Saucedo. But the Xolos defense came to the rescue and sent the ball outside the area.

With the match practically over, a shot from Riascos was headed by Sand into the net, humiliating the Chivas on their home turf 2-0.

The win moved up the Xolos to the 12th position (out of 18) in the relegation table, ahead of Puebla, Estudiantes, Atlas, Querétaro, Atlante and Jaguares. The team at the bottom of that table at the end of the season is demoted to the minor league.

Next weekend, the Xolos are at home at Estadio Caliente, where they will play against Santos Laguna, also one of the leaders in the general team standings.

editorial@sandiegored.com