Opening draw

When a team loses a two-goal lead twice it’s unlikely it will win.

That near certainty played out last night in Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente’s season opener  with a 3-3 tie against Atlas de Guadalajara.

In more ways than one, the draw was not a loss. Xolos fans got to see  the team’s newest acquisition Dario Benedetto prove he can be the star this team needs. He finished the night with a hat trick and got himself into the Xolos record books by becoming the first player in the team history to score three goals in a Liga MX match.

In just six minutes Benedetto scored his first goal in the Mexican league as he chipped the ball over Atlas goalkeeper Alan Lopez in amazing demonstration of skill.

Two minutes later he found the net again when he sent a shot from outside the penalty area and beating Lopez, who was unable to stop the kick.

In the second half Paul Arriola made his professional debut and the South Bay talent made an impact as he assisted Benedetto for his third and final goal of the night. Arreola got the ball by the midfield and dribble through a few defenders finally he gave it to the Benedetto found himself only against Lopez who he eluded with his right foot and then just push the ball for the goal.

New coach Jorge Almiron, presented a much more offensive-minded team compared to the previous manager. As the season progresses one should expect more consistency from his team since currently six key players are unavailable for a few more weeks. Some of the injured players are Cirilo Saucedo and Herculez Gomez. Others are representing the US national team in the Gold Cup like Joe Corona and Edgar Castillo.

“I am not satisfied, the team played a great game and they tied us without deserving it,” said Almiron. “They found a great goal from Vuoso and in the end they tie us in a game that I thought we had controlled.
Arriola also described that he always wants to make an impact when playing for the Xolos.

“It’s good but it’s not the end, I have to continue to work hard to keep improving to keep myself at this level,” he said. “I’m hoping to make the playoffs, from a personal point of view I hope I continue to be part of the first team and continue to get better and better and hopefully start this games.”