Soccer

Martinez salvages Xolos tie against Club America in friendly

The Ecuadorian striker could be the difference between an efficient attack

Fidel Martinez slipped his jersey over his head Saturday night.

He then helicoptered it over his head, gripping it in his hand while dashing to the sideline near his team's bench.

The Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles striker was mobbed by teammates, some piling on to his back and shoulders.

The newly acquired forward had just scored his first goal as member of the Xolos. It came on a penalty kick, scoring after America's backup goalkeeper Carlos Rubio was whistled for taking down Martinez in the penalty area.

Martinez' goal sent his teammates, coaching staff and screaming fans into frenzy. Martinez' score was a milestone but it also salvaged a 1-1 draw in a friendly match against Club America at Qualcomm Stadium in what was being called the San Diego Clasico.

The Ecuadorian-born Martinez continued to celebrate by posing for photographs, standing shirtless while maybe half of the 19,880 in attendance cheered him on.

When asked if he had planned the celebration.

"I am just glad I was able to do it and take it off so quickly," Martinez said about removing his jersey.

And the Xolos were glad Martinez found the back of the net, even if it was in a friendly.

Tijuana could depend on Martinez in the upcoming 2012 Apertura tournament in the Mexican First Division.

After all, coach Antonio Mohammed's team could struggle to create scoring opportunities. Mohammed faces the challenge of replacing Uruguayan midfielder Egidio Arevalo, who reportedly has or is close to a signing a deal with Italian Seria A side Palermo.

Arevalo was an integral part of the Xolos' run into the playoffs last tournament. Tijuana's attack started with Arevalo in the middle. He fed attackers, helped create spaces and didn't hesitate to send a blasting shot from a distance.

His blasts were similar to the way Club America's Miguel Layun sent into the Xolos net in the 83rd minute to break a scoreless tie. Layun sent a right-footed blast from just inside the 18-yard box past Xolos backup goalkeeper Adrian Zermeno. Martinez converted his PK after he was tackled near the penalty kick spot.

"Fidel did a good job," Mohammed said. "I thought he adapted well to what we are trying to do. I am happy about how things are going but we still need to find another attacking midfielder."

Mohammed would also need another striker if Martinez had not signed with the Xolos earlier this summer.

Jose Sand, the Xolos' leading scorer in the previous tournament has reportedly signed a contract with Racing Club in Argentina. Sand has not been with the Xolos for more than a month. His departure is not as fresh as Arevalo's exit.

Martinez could be a key piece in Tijuana's attack. For now, the Xolos will probably rely mostly on forward Duvier Riascos, a speedy, explosive player with enough strength to overpower defenses.

Riascos along with newly acquired Alfredo Moreno could be the difference between not finishing possible scoring plays to putting the ball in the net.

How will the Xolos adjust to not having Arevalo and Sand in short notice?

That remains to be seen.

For now, Riascos said things will fall into place.

"It's part of the game," Riascos said about Tijuana losing Arevalo and Sand. "Losing players, that always happens. But there's no pressure. I think we have a great attack."

Against Club America at Qualcomm Stadium, the Xolos generated few threatening plays. Was it a lack of fire power? Players are struggling to adjust and mesh with the newcomers. After all, the Clasico match was just an Exhibition.

But to Mohammed it is a measuring stick to see how the recent changes can or will affect his players.

"This is the team we have," Mohammed said. "Our players are giving us their all."

ivan.orozco@sandiegored.com

Related:

Comments

  • Facebook

  • SanDiegoRed

 
 
  • New

  • Best

    Recent News more

    Subir
    Advertising