Recap: SDFC Beats Xolos in Cross-Border Rivalry Leagues Cup Match

An extra warm, iconic Southern California evening set the tone for a sold-out Snapdragon Stadium – the host venue for a young cross-border rivalry between San Diego FC and the Tijuana Xolos.

The neighboring teams met in the second of three group-stage matches in the Leagues Cup. San Diego FC lost the first match 1-3 to Club America on Thursday at the historic, Azteca stadium in Mexico City. The Xolos also couldn't pull off a first-match win as they lost to Austin FC 0-2.

Lineups

Head coach Mikey Varas slightly rotated the squad for tonight's match. Bryan Zamble started on the left wing, a position often rotated due to the injury absence of regular-starter Amahl Pellegrino. Zamble has shown flashes of excellence during rare gametime minutes and earned a chance to show the coaching staff what he's capable of with more playing time.

San Diego's new signing, Gabriel Pirani started in the left midfield, earning a chance to showcase himself while Valakari got rest. Anibal Godoy captained the team in the center mid while bringing his veteran presence into the lineup. Alejandro Alvarado continued his streak of making the starting lineup.

In the back, Luca Bombino made his way back into the starting lineup as the left back. Ian Murphy replaced the regular, Chris McVey.

The Xolos made a total of five changes to their lineup but all eyes were on Gilberto Mora, a young Mexican national team member fresh from participating in the World Cup.

First Half

Anders Dreyer didn't take long to get SDFC going. In the second minute of the match, the Xolos had a hard time clearing the ball from a scramble that ensued inside their penalty box. The ball made its way to SDFC defender, Oscar Verhoeven, who calmly collected the loose ball and send it a cross that was knocked down by Zamble and fell to Dreyer who finished it into the back of the net.

Unfortunately, the goal was called back due to Zamble's challenge on the defender. Zamble left his feet and tried a vertical kick that ended up knocking the ball down to Dreyers' feet while also fouling the Xolos defender in the eyes of the referee.

Xolos took their turn in being unlucky in the 10th minute. Ignacio Rivero hit a strong left-footed shot from outside of the box just to watch it ricochet off the right post.

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A goal would finally come in the 22nd minute. Alvarado did a superb job at intercepting a goal kick and continuing his run after passing it to Dreyer into the box. Dreyer returned the favor and Alvardo sent in a low cross that found a wide open Zamble in the middle of the box. The teenager had no issues putting it away and getting his team on the scoresheet.

The first half came to an end with a score of 1-0 but not before tempers flared on the pitch. Bombino was fouled from the back in what seemed to be a deliberate push. Players from both teams got into an argumentative scuffle right before the halftime whistle. San Diego went into the locker room leading possession 66-34 and a goal up.

Second Half

Xolos came out with a vengeance after halftime, pressing SDFC higher up the field and creating more chances. By the 70th minute, Tijuana had fired off seven second-half shots compared to just two for San Diego.

SDFC settled into a strong defensive shape as the half progressed, slowing the pace of the match. After an exciting, back-and-forth first half, the game became much more measured, with San Diego focused on protecting its advantage.

Xolos' night of bad misses continued when Elias Manuel hit the woodwork once again in the 72nd minute. Manuel found himself in the middle of the penalty area with time to shoot only to hit the right post.

The match ended 1-0 as SDFC picked up their second win in their last five matches in all competitions.

Final Thoughts

The much anticipated cross-border rivalry match delivered a fun, physical performance from both squads. Fans were treated to a back and forth first half followed by a much more careful, slower second half.

Although SDFC won this match, it's clear to see why Varas' squad has had problems winning games this year. In contrast of last year, SDFC is having a tougher time stringing passes together int he final third, finding creativity in front of the net, and taking shots on target. SDFC could have easily lost this match if it wasn't for the unfortunate luck of the Xolos hitting the post multiple times.

The quick pass-and-go playing out of the back style of play is simply not there anymore. Maybe the other teas figured them out. Maybe the new additions to the squad haven't fully bought into the Right to Dream way. Whatever it is, if SDFC want to go far this year, they will need to find a way to play more like they did last year.

Bryan Zamble received Man of the Match honors, and while he had a memorable performance, my MOTM award went to Alejandro Alvarado Jr. Alvarado was involved in what seemed to be every attack, using his creativity and speed to orchestrate dangerous moments on goal.

Next, SDFC take on Puebla on Wednesday, August 12th at Snapdragon Stadium.