Xolos face Monterrey after big win against Santos Laguna

Game: Tijuana Xolos vs Monterrey

Where: Estadio Caliente, Tijuana, Mexico

When: Friday, August 23, 2024

Time: 8:05 p.m. PST

TV: TUDN, VIX

Photo byLIGA MX

The Tijuana Xolos will play their sixth game in the Liga MX 2024 Apertura this Friday, August 23, against Monterrey at the Estadio Caliente.

Club Tijuana is coming off a huge 3-1 win against Santos Laguna in a game where the Aztec Canines completely controlled the tempo of the game.

The big storyline from that game was the Liga MX debut of 15-year-old Gilberto Mora, who provided an assist on Tijuana's third goal. That goal was scored by Jaime Vazquez, who scored his first-ever Liga MX goal.

Raul Zuniga and Efrain Alvarez also scored in that match and will be players to watch in this match. Defender Unai Bilbao had an assist and played a role in another goal in that match, as he was also one of the best players for Club Tijuana.

Another big story from the previous match for Club Tijuana was that Juan Carlos Osorio's future is unclear. The Colombian manager confirmed that he has some national team offers, including an offer from the Costa Rica national team. There is a clause in Osorio's contract that allows him to leave for a national team, and this is worrying for Club Tijuana's immediate future.

Osorio's tactics and game plan are clearly embedded in this team, even with his squad rotations. Xolos' lineup is unpredictable on any given game as there has even been heavy rotation with the goalkeepers.

Monterrey is one of the best teams in the Liga MX, but like Xolos, had a very disappointing Leagues Cup campaign. Rayados are top of the Liga MX table with 12 points from five games, coming off a 2-1 win against Puebla. Monterrey has a plethora of attacking options featuring players like Sergio Canales, German Berterame, Oliver Torres, and Jesus Corona.

Chula Vista native Brandon Vazquez has received very little playing time this season as he is yet to start a match. However, Vazquez is a Club Tijuana youth product, and it will be interesting to see if he gets playing time in this match.

This will be a big test for the Border City Dogs after a huge win, as Monterrey is one of the best-built teams in Liga MX.