El Tri wins as Martino defends training regimen

Xolos playing catch-up after Covid outbreak

Matchday 11 is finally in the books as Tijuana hosted FC Juárez Wednesday night in a game suspended after 14 Xolos players tested positive for coronavirus.

The home team got the game-winner in minute 79 when Juárez goalie Iván Vázquez Mellado strayed way outside his box in an ill-advised attempt to intercept a long pass. Xolos forward Gerson Vázquez (only 18 years old!) got to the ball first, easily rounded the stranded keeper and slotted home.

It was the Xolos first Liga MX action since Sept. 13. Tijuana still has to make up a Matchday 12 visit to Santos Laguna which has been re-scheduled for Oct. 11. But first the border town team will host the Chivas on Sunday.

Speaking of the Chivas, much has been made of the good fortune the “Rebaño Sagrado” has enjoyed. Some might cynically call it favoritism.

Through 12 games of the Guardianes 2020 season, Guadalajara has seen six opponents ejected. During the moments they’ve enjoyed a man advantage, the Chivas have scored six times.

Clásico Capitalino on tap at Estadio Azteca

The Pumas-América match just won’t be the same without the rowdy fans stirring things up. Still, the 119th Clásico Capitalino will be the marquee showdown of Matchday 13.

The Aguilas will struggle to patch together a defense as Miguel Herrera’s top three central defenders are unavailable. A potential fill-in, veteran Paul Aguilar has also been ruled out with an ankle problem. That means mid-season pick-up Luis Fuentes (a Pumas product) will likely team up with teenager Ramón Juárez in the middle of the back line in front of second-choice keeper Oscar Jiménez. Headaches for “El Piojo.”

The Pumas will be without starting goalie Alfredo Talavera who is on duty with El Tri. “Tala” was the clear MVP for UNAM during their 10-game unbeaten streak to open the season. Otherwise coach Andrés Lillini has a full roster to choose from as he hopes to guide the Pumas out of their two-game mini-slump. A win at the Azteca would boost UNAM past their crosstown rivals into third place.

As it happens, the “universitarios” have not lost a regular-season match to the Aguilas in more than three years. That last América win (2-1) came on Aug. 5, 2017, thanks to goals by Oribe Peralta and Cecilio Domínguez.

Toluca coaching search

Lots of rumors that former Diablos coach Hernán Cristante is being recruited to take over after “Chepo” de la Torre was fired Monday, the fourth manager to be sent packing this season.

Cristante – a legendary goalie who helped Toluca win six Liga MX titles – posted a 62-30-44 record as coach of the “Choriceros” from 2016-2019.

Management is determined to have a new coach in place in time for Sunday’s home game against Cruz Azul.