On Friday, the Xolos host Águilas del América, one of Mexico's storied teams. Tickets have been sold out for the Week 10 game, the first time América plays in Tijuana.
The match is of vital importance to Tijuana's team, whose goal this tournament was to perform well enough to stay in the premier First Division, something that's within their grasp.
Both teams are in a good place. América is second in the standings and is looking to claim the top spot.
A win for the Xolos, meanwhile, would solidify their chances of staying in the division and to qualify for the playoffs.
The last time the teams played against each other, Tijuana tied 1-1 at Estadio Azteca last fall. The match marked the debut of Antonio Mohamed as coach of the Xolos squad.
On Friday, "El Turco," as the Xolos coach is nicknamed, will face a team led by his former Toros Neza teammate, Miguel "Piojo" Herrera.
Herrera, however, will be relegated to the sidelines because he is to serve a one-game suspension.
The Xolos coach was asked by the Mexican press how he felt about playing against Herrera, who has put América back among the league leaders after the team's lackluster performance the last few seasons.
"He's in a good place, I wish him the best," Mohamed told the website MedioTiempo.
For his part, Xolos midfielder Joe Corona, who has earned a spot in the starting roster, explained the significance of Friday's game.
"We know that América is a major team, with a great following," said Corona, who grew up in South Bay, after Tuesday's training session.
Corona said the Xolos defense had to be particularly sharp given the quality of Águilas' forwards.
"América from midfield on can be very dangerous," said Corona. "We're prepared and we are going to be giving it our all."
Águilas, for their part, come into the game with the second best defense in the tournament, with 15 goals scored, six of them by Christian Benítez.
For this match, Mohamed will have defender Juan Pablo Santiago returning on defense after he served a one-game suspension. In addition, midfielder Leandro Augusto, who was injured, could be ready to return to the field. Fellow midfielder Richard Ruíz, however, still is sidelined with an injury.
América's record in away games three wins and two ties is the same as the Xolos's road record, all of which should make for a historic showdown.
Video courtesy of TJ Sports.
alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com
