SAN DIEGO.- The Mayor of San Diego, Bob Filner, was in charge of welcoming professional soccer team "Xolos" (Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente) from Tijuana today in their first training session at Petco Park in San Diego.

This is an event that serves as an example of the ongoing effort by Filner, who is constantly promoting the city of San Diego and Tijuana as "one region."

During Filner's visit with the team, Xolos team captain Javier Gandolfi handed him the championship trophy that the team recently won in the Apertura 2012 tournament, as a symbol of victory for the region. Soon after, Joe Corona gave Filner a custom made jersey with the number 619 in reference to San Diego's area code.

Bob Filner pointed out the importance of the team for the people of San Diego, and for all of those who have followed them closely throughout their season.

"It is a pleasure to have you all here in San Diego, soccer champions and champions of our hearts," Filner said.

Directives of Club Tijuana said that this was the first step towards opening the door for the possibility of having more friendly matches in San Diego, and the reason for this is because for all of the fans who come from different parts of Southern California, it was time for them to be recognized for their efforts in attending games at Estadio Caliente in Tijuana and their support for the team.

Aside from more possible matches in San Diego, there is also an official team store that recently opened in Plaza Bonita where fans can purchase all kinds of team merchandize and tickets for future games.

Xolos will hold training sessions in San Diego until December 23rd, and will then come back to Tijuana to continue preparations for a friendly match against Dorados from Sinaloa on December 29th, which soon after they will kick off their season into the 2013 Mexican soccer tournament.

Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com

Omar.Martinez@sandiegored.com