TIJUANA The Xolos will have a dramatically different strategy in Saturday's road match-up against Tigres.
First, forward José Sand and midfielder Egidio Arévalo have to serve a one-game suspension after they were ejected last week during the game against América.
Additionally, Mexican-American players Joe Corona and Greg Garza have joined the U.S. U-23 team, which is preparing for the Olympic qualifying tournament next week in Nashville.
In the mid-field, Leandro Augusto and Richard Ruiz are not back from injuries.
So Xolos coach Antonio Mohamed will have to call on other players to challenge one of Mexico's toughest teams, Tigres de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, the reigning champion.
Noé Maya could play instead of Arévalo, while forward Raúl Enríquez may the ideal substitute for Sand in tandem with Duvier Riascos. Leandro Fernández, who scored two goals against Chivas USA in the recent friendly match in San Diego, could see some playing time, as well as Bruno Piceno.
The Tigres, led by Ricardo "Tuca" Ferreti, are sitting in fourth place in the general standings, with five wins, four ties and just one loss.
The Xoloitzcuintles also are doing well.
They arrive in Monterrey after an extraordinary performance last Friday that saw them tie powerhouse América with only nine men on the field at Caliente Stadium. Tijuana's team is in sixth place, with four wins, five ties and one loss.
During training sessions this week in Tijuana, the players talked about the challenge that awaits them Saturday.
"We have to go in with the mentality of the winning team we have been," said forward Riascos. "Our team has responded well and that's why we have had good results regardless of what team we face."
alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com
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[sidebar]Game day
What: Xolos vs. Tigres
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Where: Monterrey
When: Saturday, 6 p.m. Pacific time
TV: Televisa
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