TEAM IS COMPLETE

TIJUANA –Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente is closing out its preseason phase heading into the 2013-2014 year of competition and Tuesday July 9, it took the final step when it comes to its roster. The team introduced Argentine striker Dario Benedetto as its last roster addition for the LIGA MX 2013 Apertura and 2013-2014 CONCACAF Champions League.

Club Tijuana Sporting Director Ignacio Palou welcomed the 23-year old striker to complete the lsit of new additions to the roster this offseason.

“The team is now complete for this first part of the season,” Palou said. “In the name of Club Tijuana President Jorgealberto Hank, who went to Argentina to sign Dario, we welcome our new player and now we are ready for the season.”

Benedetto comes to Club Tijuana in time to play in two tournaments.

“I am happy to be here,” Benedetto said. “It will be a great challenge in my career and it will be an opportunity that I want to take advantage of it”  

“As a striker, you always want to score as many goals as possible,” said Benedetto, the 23-year-old who has plenty of professional soccer experience. “God willing, I will be able to accomplish things. I come here to score goals and do great things wearing this jersey.”

Benedetto made his pro debut in Argentina in 2008 with Club Arsenal de Sarandi and later played with Defensa y Justicia, Gimnasia and Esgrima de Jujuy. He went on to play again for Arsenal de Sarandi, including in the 2013 Copa Libertadores before signing with the Xoloitzcuintles.

Benedetto is a player with a nose for goal, not only inside the penalty area but one that can create dangerous plays from outside and can help generate plenty of assists with his agility and quickness. He is also solid with set pieces as he has scored some spectacular goals in his country. He can also play good defense. Benedetto has shown great work and sacrifice and good fitness to help his teams from throughout the field.

The Xoloitzcuintles new player made his debut with Club Tijuana July 6 when he came on as a 68th minute substitute in the San Diego Clasico 5-2 exhibition win against Club America.

Coach Jorge Almiron led his team to a practice after Benedetto’s introduction. The team is preparing for Wednesday’s friendly match against Correcaminos UAT at Estadio Caliente with a 7:30 p.m. Pacific kickoff. Club Tijuana will then play Dorados de Sinaloa in another friendly on July 13 also at Estadio Calinete before the season opener July 19 against visiting Atlas de Guadalajara.