Notes from the Western Frontera - September 7

It’s been a busy international break for Xolos, even though no players were out with their national teams. Before things get back into swing with Liga MX and Copa MX play for the first team, let’s get caught up on what is going on throughout the organization.

Xolos sign Miller Bolaños- Just when you thought Eduardo Coudet was done signing players, Xolos announce the signing of Ecuadoran striker Miller Bolaños. The former Chivas USA striker comes to Tijuana after stints with Emelec in his native Ecuador and a more recent run with Grêmio in Brazil’s Serie A.

This move is a bit of a head-scratcher for me, as Gustavo Bou has finally found his scoring touch over the past few games. Still, Bolaños has the talent to be good in Liga MX and it strengthens an already strong squad.

Xolos Femenil holding tryouts - One of my biggest regrets in my recent trip to Tijuana was not seeing the women’s side play. The team has a record of 2W 1D 3L and although it seems like the team is struggling to find itself a bit (although this could be said about most Liga MX Femenil teams), they’re undefeated at home and have a good coach in former Mexican international Andrea Rodebaugh.

Xolos Femenil will be holding tryouts this week at the CIX “for the club’s youth developmental squads categories 1998 to 2002.” Tryouts are from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. although prospects should arrive 20 minutes prior to the start time.

This is really a great thing for Mexico’s development as a footballing nation for women. The Mexican women’s teams have lagged far behind more traditional women’s powerhouses such as the United States, Germany, Canada, and England, and the institution of the Liga MX Femenil will only serve to strengthen the player pool. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than having no domestic league whatsoever.

Xolos Sub 17s lose to Santos Laguna - The Sub 17s lost a make-up match to Santos Laguna 1-0 thanks to a goal from Santos’ Manuel Lopez. Xolos Sub 17s are 4W 1D 2L so far and are ranked 4th overall with 16 points (they also have 3 points from penalties, which occur after the match). The Sub 17s will face off against Pumas on Sunday at Pumas’ renowned Cantera. For a good primer on Pumas Cantera, our friends at Pumas English do a fantastic job covering it.

The Sub 20s are currently 13th in the standings, with a record of 2W 1D and 4L. They’ll face off against Pumas on Sunday in CU. The Sub 15s are 6th overall with a 2W 0D 3L record in Grupo 1, and will face Veracruz at the Estadio Centro de Alto Rendimiento Cancha 1 in Veracruz on Saturday.