UNDER-17 CLUB TIJUANA 1-4 VS. PACHUCA (FINAL)

TIJUANA - Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles Under-17 suffered a 4-1 defeat to Club Pachuca U-17 in Week 8 action of the Clausura 2015 season of the National Youth Tournament of LIGA MX. 

Ivan Salas had brought the Xoloitzcuintles to level terms with his goal in the 55th minute, but two goals from Pachuca’s Hiram Vazquez and one from Jose Contreras and Jose Padilla defined the match in the visitor’s favor. 

The first half was intense battle with both teams looking to go forward and attack. The ball has changed possession a lot but it was the home side who had the closest opportunities to open the scoring.  

Midfielder Jesus Angulo control the ball in the middle of the field and tried his luck from about 25 yards out. The powerful shot bounced off the crossbar of the Pachuca’s goal.

Juan Rodriguez also came close in the 39th minute when he received a through ball down the middle of the field. Rodriguez dribbled in on goal, rounded the charging goalkeeper but lost his shot angle. Rodriguez’s shot ended up bouncing off the post.

The visitors found the breakthrough five minutes into the second half. Vazquez jumped above everyone else and headed in a corner kick from the right side.  

The Xoloitzcuintles found an equalizer in the 55th minute. Salas received a cross field through ball and beat the offside trap. He rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the empty net to make the score 1-1. 

The visitors re-took the lead 10 minutes later. Vazquez once again was at the right place to tap in the ball after Club Tijuana goalkeeper Samuel Velazquez blocked a close range shot. 

Things turned even more difficult for the Xoloitzcuintles in the 83rd minute. Center referee issued a direct red card to Juan Rodriguez for a foul in midfield. Pachuca took advantage of its extra player on the field. Contreras Jose Padilla finished off plays in the final minutes of the match. 

The loss keeps Club Tijuana with nine points in the 15th position of the league table. Next up for the Xoloitzcuintle boys is a visit to Club Santos Laguna on Saturday March 7th.