Xolos & Galaxy Play Out Draw at StubHub Center
Who is the stronger soccer team? With fans crossing the USA/Mexico border to watch soccer, the rivalry between these two top teams is just starting to heat up — and now that Tijuana Xolos and LA Galaxy played to a draw on Tuesday night, the competition will only increase.
Or is there trouble in paradise? The tie marked the fourth consecutive match Club Tijuana has not been able to record a win on the road.
Soccer News: Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles played out a 1-1 draw versus host LA Galaxy in an international friendly Tuesday night at the StubHub Center.
Jose Villareal opened the scoring for Los Angeles while Matias Piseno found the net for the Xoloitzcuintles. Villareal scored on a rolling pass by second half substitute Emmanuel Boateng in the 52nd minute of the match as he used his speed to get by two defenders to reach the ball and send it in past Tijuana goalkeeper Luis Michel.
The Galaxy lead didn’t last long as the Xolos responded with Piseno’s goal two minutes later. The newly acquired Argentine defender converted a penalty kick in his debut with Club Tijuana.
Coach Miguel Herrera’s squad nearly took the lead in the 55th minute, but Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe blocked back-to-back saves diving twice to his right. Rowe also made a key save in the 81st minute to hold onto the draw.
The friendly match served as preparation for both clubs as Tijuana prepares for its LIGA MX Week 6 match of the 2017 Clausura. It was the Galaxy’s first preseason match as it prepares for the upcoming 2017 MLS season in March.
Tijuana has not won at the StubHub Center in four attempts, including a 1-0 loss in official competition, the 2013-2014 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. The Xolos beat Los Angeles in the return match at Estadio Caliente. The first time the clubs met, the Xolos won in a penalty shootout at USD’s Torero Stadium in 2011.