Can you believe this, guys? That team by the border is close to winning its first Liga MX title. And to think that Club Tijuana were established five years ago... They have already made history by joining us and the Smurfs in the CCL next year. They could make even more history if they upset Toluca. Ohhhhhhh my!
So happy for the fans in TJ and America's Finest City. And I really hope we get to play them in the CCL.
My first MX team is Morelia but having been to a few Xolos game when they were in the Acenso I've grown to enjoy their style of play and root for them when they don't play Morelia, so this has been fun to watch. Its going to be a tough return leg as a 2-1 lead isn't going to mean much in Toluca, so this game should be a back and forth game with lots of action. and for those that may not know the Xolos have 3 Americans on the team Joe Corona, Edgar Castillo, and Greg Garza, with a possible 4th in GK Cirilo Saucedo (Mother is a US Citizen) and I believe 2 others on their reserve team.
Really wish these guys had been there when I lived in San Diego. Going to games in Mexico is an amazing experience, and TJ is a city that could really use a shot in the arm like this. Here's a UT article on Xolo fans in America's Finest City: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/nov/30/tijuanas-xolos-top-dogs-of-san-diego-sport/
Clean sweep for Las Californias. Alta California's Los Angeles Galaxy with the MLS Cup and Baja California's Club Tijuana with the Liga MX Apertura. What a weekend!
Not only do they get a Pot A seeding in CCL, but they've also qualified for 2013 Copa Libertadores. The draw is on December 21st. If they get drawn against Sao Paulo I'll be defiantly trying to go down to see it and watch Luis Fabiano and hopefully Lucas live. However I sincerely hope it's not also to watch Juninho. Also it accrued to me that this team might be our biggest challenger to getting the top SoCal talent. They really have marketed their team in the San Diego area in both Spanish and English, and its really paid off for them. I just hope they don't poach guys like Raul Mendiola and Oscar Sorto from us.
The final was even broadcasted in English it. The team clearly is going to be San Diego's and TJ's Team its crazy that chivas wants to co tinue alienating fans and a team in mexico sees more success by selling the team to everyone
I think it's a good thing. They aren't going to go away so it would be wise for the Galaxy to build up the relationship. To be fair as things stand right now we can't really compete with them if they're scouting our youth players. Until the MLS increases the quality of coaching, offers young players competitive first contracts to Europe and has more options for players to play competitive football (i.e. NASL/USL partnership) we'll continue to lose players to Europe and Mexico. Plus.... I just like Xolos, started watching their games when they started signing Americans and they're a really good club.
I agree with Ives, I think they need to do a home-and-home exhibition between the Galaxy and the Xolos this spring. https://twitter.com/SoccerByIves/status/275420173568196608
Together, they join forces to become... Los Xolocticos, the unstoppable futbol alliance of Las Californias.
I would love to get into Liga MX, but I just have a hard time understanding the Apertura and Clausura system.
Essentially it's two seasons in one year, with playoffs each. And there is pro/rel. Currently, Tijuana is seventh in the relegation table, so they are safe for now.
Also worth mentioning, this sets up a potential meaningful game between the Xolos and Galaxy. We'll both be in the CCL for 2013-14, so we could play them in the knockout round in 2014 (assuming the format stays the same as 2012-13).
Shitty team, you say? Them's are fighting words! Now I'm definitely looking forward to a match between these two teams in the CCL. Bring it on.