RETURN TO VICTORY

TIJUANA (Oct. 4, 2013)- Fidel Martinez scored a second half goal to help Club Tijuana to a 1-0 win against Queretaro FC in a Week 13 match of the LIGA MX-2013 Apertura Friday night at Estadio Caliente.

The Ecuadorian striker tapped in a loose ball near the Queretaro FC right post and buried it into the net with a right-footed shot in the 75th minute. The stadium to erupted in cheer after the goal as the Xoloitzcuintles gained another three points in the tournament standings. Martinez’ goal also helped Club Tijuana remain unbeaten at Estadio Caliente in seven home matches this tournament.

With the win, Club Tijuana improves to 4-5-4 with 16 points in the standings as it continues its quest for a slot in the post season with four regular season games left in the tournament.

Martinez broke the scoreless tie against Queretaro FC when he completed the scoring play off a combination pass between Paul Arriola and Fernando Arce.  The goal happened after Arriola sprinted into the area and fed Arce a ball near the top of the box.  Arce took the shot and it bounced off a defender, leaving the ball free for Martinez to finish it off.

The goal came at a time in the match where neither team had generated clear scoring opportunities.

It was coach Jorge Almiron’s squad which created a handful of attacks in the first half.  Club Tijuana kept possession of the ball for most of the first half trying to catch a Queretaro bunkering defense off guard with a couple of long distance shots by Crisitan Pellerano. The Argentine midfielder sent blasts from about 28 and 25 yards in the 27th and 37th minute but Queretaro FC goalkeeper Edgar Hernandez was there to make the save both times.

“There was pressure in this match,” Almiron said. “The rival stood its ground in the back. You couldn’t penetrate but we were patient and we were able to find a way to win. The team kept looking for the result. The players deserve the win more than anyone. They left everything on the field.”

Almiron’s starting players were Cirilo Saucedo, Pablo Aguilar, Alfredo Tahuilan, Juan Carlos Nunez, Edgar Castillo, Richard Ruiz, Raul Enriquez, Greg Garza, Pellerano, Arce and Martinez. Emmanuel Cerda came on for Garza in the first half while Herculez Gomez and Arriola were second half subs.

The Xoloitzcuintles will next travel to face CD Toluca in a Week 14 match Oct. 20. The two week break comes as part of the FIFA International dates for World Cup qualifying.

“We will be able to rest even without our national team players,” Almiron said. “The players make a great effort and they deserved this win.”