Tijuana vs. Santos (Fr.)/Liga MX Weekend (Jan 22-24)

I think Tijuana vs. Santos is about the best possible game that could be made from a YA potential perspective. Villafana is almost a sure thing to start, and he's drawing pretty rave reviews from observers in Mexico early on. Then, with Tijuana, we'll see if Arriola, Orozco, and others will be incorporated by Piojo Herrera this time. Arriola performed well off the bench, in his last league game, two weeks ago. But then didn't see action last week, before starting at midweek for Tijuana in CopaMX. The match kicks off at 10:30/9:30 central.

The other game tonight, at 8:30/7:30, in Dorados/Queretaro, has some potential as well between the likes of Corona, Gil, and Guadarrama.

Front-loaded schedule. The other one with significant interest, is the third game to be played this weekend, between Pachuca and America, that kicks off in the early game tomorrow at 6/5. There, USNT central defenders Omar Gonzalez and Ventura Alvarado are likely to square off as starters.

 

Gil getting his first action, with the start!

Bornstein also on the field.

Corona and Guadarrama on the bench for Dorados.

 

1-0 Queretaro. Golazo by #6 on the half volley, indirectly off the corner kick. Gil not involved in the build-up or set piece goal. Looks overweight and not very mobile. Not playing the 10-shirt, rather RM.

 

Yeah, technically, but not his intent I don't think. He appeared to semi-whiff on a volley attempt.

 

Not an impressive half from Gil, and not in a, it's only his debut, way. His physical ability even looks sub par in Mexico, where they're not known for that aspect of the game. He's a half step to a full one behind the game. Having trouble getting on the ball and closing down opposing players fast enough. Gonna have to develop the technical and creative ability of Cuauhtemoc, looking like this. Otherwise, needs to get leaner, and have that improve his quickness enough, if it can.

 

She ain't that hot unless Mexican tv has spotted her in a crowd before and shamelessly put her on camera repeatedly throughout the match to appease horny Latinos at home. That's the classic move. FTR, I don't mind it, just an observation.

 

Guadarrama on for Doradas at the start of the second.

Gil with 2 attempts to split the d for a thru ball early, and both of them were blocked for turnovers.

 

Gil did not impress, IMO. He tried to do too much sometimes, going for that killer pass, hard tackle, or aggressive dribble; to compensate for lack of physical ability. Usually it did not come off well. But some coaches would just start him next game anyway because his team won 3-0. He didn't get subbed out in this one. I thought the other two Yanks, Bornstein and Guadarrama, had better games, actually. Unspectacular but professional, being responsible defensively, and providing some width.

 

Villafana started. Arriola on the bench. Tijuana has been slow to integrate promising Americans. Sounds like a good candidate for U.S. national team coach, as people suggested. He'd have that in common with the current one. For some reasons that's a coveted trait for some.

 

Took me forever to find a stream, but I finally did. Santos took the lead, 1-0, on a cracker from outside the box.

 

Villafana made a forward pass! Anybody else see it? He actually didn't linger on a ball when he was wide open, dribbled forward with intent, and played a lead pass to a teammate, who sent in a dangerous cross. Then Villafana skied a long shot attempt. Proud of him. I got out some party favors in honor of it.

Other than that, he played his typical, solid, aware d. I didn't see until about 25 minutes in, though.

1-0 Santos. Their coach and fans seem very content with the way things are going and flowing this season, especially around Villafana island.

Tijuana fans not so much. They lost their opener and are dropping this one at home. The boo birds are coming out for Piojo and co. He's going to need to take the shackles off some Americans out of desperation. I would be surprised if we don't see our boy Pablo Arriola in the 2nd half.

 

Villafana got burned a couple times down his side, showing he's human defensively.

Juninho comes on for Tijuana, finally.

 

Finally, Arriola comes on at rw in the 77th minute. Might be some yank on yank crime here.
It's now tied 1-1.

 

Goal, against the run of play, for Santos. 2-1. Piojo is beside himself.

 

3-1, Santos. Seal it on the counter, with Tijuana having to get aggressive. Neither Yank involved.

Villafana steadied at the end to provide a calming presence for Santos when they were protecting their lead. Was very aware to not get caught in behind, so shut down would be and could have been connections. Defending the ball, he did have more issues than the previous two games. Got beat 1 v. 1 a few times to allow crosses in due to his feet being too close together. Was getting a little uptight, I think. But his passing was discernibly more positive, if not still good for providing width or breaking his team out from the back with possession. Still, worst game of the 3 so far. Overall, he was decent though.

Arriola, he was on the same side as Villafana, and they dueled a number of times, with Jorge getting the better of them if anything, but they were more off the ball. Didn't get the ball off him after he received. Didn't take on his man, but controlled the ball well, proceeded decisively into the space ahead of him when he had it, played the early passable cross, a number of well seen square passes on the edge of the box, got back on defense and even coolly chested a ball to the keeper, and is always a target for his teammates. Really don't know what he does wrong to not get starts there yet. He's Mr. Clean. Clean cut, and clean play.