TIJUANA The Xolos suffered their first loss in six games Saturday night in Monterrey, as Tigres scratched out a win 1-0.
Tigres went ahead at minute 9 after a controversial call by referee Roberto García. He ruled that Xolos defender Javier Gandolfis hand had illegally blocked a shot although it looked like the hand had just moved naturally.
Tigres team captain Lucas Lobos scored on the penalty kick, which Xolos goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo nearly stopped.
From then on Tigres focused on defense. A few minutes after the goal was scored, Xolos midfielder Édgar Castillo nearly responded with a goal of his own with a shot that hit the left goal post.
In the second half, Xolos coach Antonio Mohamed sent in players such as Leandro Fernández, Mauro Gerk and Armando Pulido to put more pressure up front.
It almost worked.
The Xolos nearly tied in the last minute of the match with a center shot by Fernández that Tigres goalkeeper Enrique Palos managed to bat away.
With the loss the Xolos dropped to eighth place in the general standings, with 17 points (four wins, five ties and two losses).
Tigres, of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, stretched their winning streak to eight in this tournament, solidifying their chances to repeat as champions.
Tijuana played the match without key players, whose absence was evident in the field. Egidio Arévalo and Jorge Sand served a one-game suspension and Joe Corona and Greg Garza are playing with the U.S. U-23 team.
The match marked the debut of Xolos minor leaguer Bruno Piceno, who was not able to do much to help his team.
The Xolos play at home next Saturday against Atlas de Guadalajara, a team also battling to stay in the First Division.
editorial@sandiegored.com
