WORK, EFFORT AND COMMITMENT IN 2013-2014 PRESEASON

SAN DIEGO –Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente is finishing the second phase of the 2013-2104 preseason heading into the start of the LIGA MX-2013 Apertura and the CONCACAF Champions League. A great atmosphere surrounds the Xoloitzcuintles camp in the United States.

The team went through double training sessions that included rigorous conditioning, technical preparation and tactics with the main focus being the next season.

The team’s motivation is noticeable as they compete to win a spot in coach Jorge Almiron’s scheme. The Xoloitzcuintles went through the final preparations leading into the San Diego Clasico where Club Tijuana will face Club America at Petco Park July 6 with a 7:30 p.m. start.

After the training session, Greg Garza, Paul Arriola, Richard Ruiz and Fidel Martinez spoke with the local and international media.

“It is great to be here,” said Arriola, a San Diego native. “It’s a team with great players. We are all here hoping to win titles and try to win a slot on the starting lineup.”

Garza talked about the team’s effort as it prepares for the LIGA MX season opener July 19 against Atlas of Guadalajara at Estadio Caliente.

“We know that there are some important tournaments coming up and we are very motivated for the new season,” said Garza, a United States Under-20 team member. “We hope to exceed what we have accomplished in previous tournaments.”

Richard Ruiz said the team scheme keeps improving this preseason with these exhibition matches.

“We first have the game against America and then we head to Tijuana to play Correcaminos (July 10) and Dorados (July 13),” Ruiz said. “These friendly games are important to have a good start to the league tournament. We know that it will be a competitive tournament and we are ready for that.”