MEXICO CITY – Ismael Iñiguez had it, for a tie, and he let it slip away.
Los Xoloitzcuintles de Tijuana could not handle Cruz Azul on Saturday, falling 2-1 to la "Máquina", the Machine, as the team is called.
The game was the first time Tijuana faced one of the four giants of Mexican futbol and the outcome, once again, was disappointing.
As has been the case in earlier games, the Xolos began with more drive, and in fact, scored first.
At minute 22, striker Dayro Moreno took advantage of an excellent pass from Juan Carlos Núñez and sent a header into the net, scoring his fourth goal of the season, and momentarily tying with Oribe Peralta of Santos for most goals scored.
The Xolos dominated the rest of the first half.
In minute 45, The Machine got a scare when Leandro Augusto won the ball and sent it centimeters outside the goal defended by goalkeeper Yosgart Gutiérrez.
In the publicity leading up to this match, it was billed as "youth versus experience," and that turned out to be an apt description.
Enrique Meza, the veteran Cruz Azul coach, made one adjustment on the field that changed the course of the game.
"Ojitos," as the coach is nicknamed, sent in wing Javier Aquino and he made his presence felt on the scoreboard a few minutes later.
Aquino advanced on the right side and sent a precise pass to forward Edixon Perea, who headed the ball into the net, a shot impossible for Xolos goalkeeper Cirilo Saucedo to handle. Just like that, the game was tied.
The Xolos coach, Joaquín del Olmo, responded with a few changes, giving Noé Maya, Javier Jacuzzi and Ismael Iñiguez a few minutes of play.
The outcome was sealed at minute 67. Once again Aquino passed the ball, this time to Emmanuel Villa, who sent a header into the net, breaking the tie.
With just eight minutes left, Xolos got a golden opportunity. Villa, who had accumulated a number of penalty cards, was ejected, leaving The Machine with only 10 men on the field.
The advantage didn't matter because Cruz Azul mounted an effective defense for what remained of the game.
At minute 90, the Xolos had a tie within their grasp, but let it slip away. Cruz Azul lost the ball inside the penalty area, a ball claimed by José Sand, who passed it to Ismael Iñiguez, who failed to score.
That sealed the Xolos' fate. The team is momentarily in 15th place in the general standings (out of 18), with just four points.
The Xolos (1-3-1) return next week to Tijuana, where they will play Querétaro, also fighting demotion from Mexico's top soccer circuit, and on Sept. 2, take on the storied Chivas de Guadalajara, also at Caliente Stadium.
Alexandra.mendoza@sandiegored.com
