Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles earned its first win in the Torneo de Copa Tuesday night.
The Xolos needed a goal by Adolfo Dominguez in the 50th minute to beat host Merida FC 1-0 in the second leg of the first round series.
Tijuana leads Group 6 of the domestic tournament featuring First and Second Division teams with five points. Tijuana earned four points with the win Tuesday and another point for winning the two-game series. The Xolos will travel to face Celaya Aug. 14 in the next phase of the group stage.
Xolos and Merida played to a scoreless draw last week in Tijuanas Estadio Caliente.
Dominguez is a native of Mexicali, Baja California and he is a product of the Xolos youth system.
Dominguez goal and some acrobatic saves by goalkeeper Adrian Zermeno helped preserve the win for Tijuana. The score came via a header off a centered pass by Antonio Maduena.
Merida tried to pressure Tijuanas stingy defense late in the match but was unable to penetrate an organized Xolos backline.
Meridas best chance came late in the second half when Sonny Guadarrama sent a shot straight into Zermenos hands, ending any threat.
The Xolos return to regular season competition in the 2012 Apertura tournament Friday when it hosts Pumas UNAM in a Week 3 match up.
ivan.orozco@sandiegored.com
