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Americans in Liga MX

Tijuana's U.S. Contingent Grows; Beasley Gets a Goal

Week 9 in Liga MX saw Herculez Gomez back in the starting XI for Xolos, a new arrival in Tijuana, and a lovely game-winning goal for Puebla’s DaMarcus Beasley.
BY Kim Tate Posted
March 05, 2014
10:00 AM

Puebla 1-0 Queretaro

Michael Orozco and DaMarcus Beasley delivered top-notch performances for Puebla, with Orozco starting against Queretaro and holding things down in defense for a full 90 minutes to quell Queretaro's attack.

Beasley started on the bench but came on shortly before intermission. In the 52nd minute he initiated an attack from his midfield position that led to a goal—a goal Beasley himself scored when he made a break down the wing and headed in a cross.

The goal was Beasley’s 12th for Puebla and his first since last April. Best of all, it arrived on the day after his first child, a daughter, was born.

Chiapas 0-3 Leon

Gabriel Farfan made his first appearance for Jaguares de Chiapas' first team after playing with the U-20s last week against Tijuana. The former Philadelphia Union midfielder came off the bench and played right back to start the second half.

Already down by three goals, Farfan shored up a leaky back line and help prevent a much stronger Leon side from scoring any more goals in the lopsided 3-0 loss.

Veracruz 1-1 Tijuana

Herculez Gomez returned to the starting lineup for Tijuana coach Cesar Farias, while Greg Garza started at left back in place of Edgar Castillo, who was called in for United States national team duty in Cyprus.

As usual, Garza took advantage of his opportunity and made a positive impression. Although he doesn’t press forward the way Castillo often does, Garza provides a more committed approach to his defensive responsibilities. Unfortunately for Garza and Tijuana, a collective defensive slip-up in the 85th minute cost Xolos its 1-0 lead and extended the club's winless-on-the-road-streak.

Joe Corona also featured for Xolos, coming off the bench for Fernando Arce in the 20th minute.

Paul Arriola and Fernando Arce Jr., both San Diegans, scored in Xolos’ U-20 3-3 draw prior to the first-team match.

Earlier in the week, Alejandro Guido scored his first goal for Dorados de Sinaloa in Copa MX play.

Xolos also welcomed yet another American player to its setup—Amando Moreno. The 18-year-old forward, who came to Tijuana from the New York Red Bulls, is a New Jersey native and a promising prospect. Moreno did not feature for Xolos during week nine, but will likely be a part or Diego Torres' U-20 squad.

Chivas 0-0 Tigres

Jose Torres came on in the 62nd minute for Tigres in its scoreless draw with Chivas at Estadio Omnilife in Guadalajara.

Kim Tate covers Liga MX for American Soccer Now. Follow her on Twitter.

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