“IT’S AN OBLIGATION TO WIN,” –Javier Gandolfi

TIJUANA –Javier Gandolfi had a clear message Friday.

“We need to finish strong for honor, for pride and for the uniform and for the people who have supported us in all our games,” said Xoloitzcuintles team captain Javier Gandolfi after Friday morning’s practice at Estadio Caliente.

The team is preparing to host a known rival in Leon, coached by Gustavo Matosas.

The rivalry between Xoloitzcuintles and Leon go back to their days in the Liga de Asenso. The teams played to some intense matches. It is always a battle when these two teams meet as both come out with everything they have to win. There has not been a tie in the LIGA MX in this rivalry.

“A rivalry has been created because of the important matches that have been played against Leon,” Gandolfi said. “It is a Clasico. Both teams have great fan bases and have shown they can do great things. Hopefully, Friday will bring a great event for the people and obviously, hope that we can finish at home with a win.”

Club Tijuana has allowed 17 goals while Leon has allowed 24. Leon brings the tournament’s leading scorer in Mauro Bosseli with 11 goals. For the Xoloitzcuintles, Dario Benedetto has scored eight goals.

“They are closing the tournament well and are in playoff qualification zone and that means they are doing things well,” Gandolfi said. “Their forwards are converting scoring chances. We need to keep preparing for the game the same way we have been doing. We haven’t been lucky and have not been able to finish games recently. If we look back, it was three games in which they tie us in the final minutes and that cost us the opportunity to be in qualification zone.”

Gandolfi, born in Santa Fe, Argentina, is one of Club Tijuana’s staple players. He became a naturalized Mexican Dec. 5, 2013. He has played in 963 minutes in 11 games this season. He wants to close out competition with a win that can make the fan happy.

The Xoloitzcuintles captain knows the recent results were not what they were expected in this tournament and that is why he sent Club Tijuana fans a message.

“On my part and the team’s, we will come out to win,” Gandolfi said. “We hope the fans will come out and support us in this last game and we want to pay them back on the field.”

WORKING WITH SPECIALISTS

The team prepares to face Leon but it has also begun to work on gathering information to use towards the next tournament.

Club Tijuana players went through a series of physical evaluations Friday. Players were taken through a series of movement test by specialist in the field and under the supervision of the coaching staff.  Each player was evaluated during the testing. The team will return to practice Saturday at 9 a.m.