FC Juarez Picks Up First Win of Season Against Xolos

Bravos de FC Juarez obtained its first win of the 2022 apertura season, defeating Xolos de Tijuana by the score of 2-0 Friday night in the state of Baja California. This is the first time the Bravos have defeated Xolos on the road in the "Battle of Border Cities".

Gabriel 'El Toros' Fernandez scored both goals for FC Juarez in the second half. Juarez took advantage of playing with a man advantage in the 26th minute when Lucas Ariel Rodriguez for Xolos received a direct red card after a blatant aggressive tackle on a player for Juarez.

The first goal came within the first minute of the second half when Jimmy Gomez went down the right flank, lobbed the ball to Jesus Duenas who made a short cross to Fernandez who was a few steps behind the penalty spot. Fernandez controlled the ball and did not hesitate to take a right footed strike that found the back of the net.

The second goal came in the 72 minute, on a free kick from the right flank, that once again found Fernandez who this time just stuck out his left foot changing the trajectory of the ball to get it past Xolos goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco.

Juarez was able to maintain the two goal lead with little trouble for the remainder of the match.

After the match, Bravos’ head coach, Hernan Cristante said, “The team went out with every intention to be proactive in getting the win. Their effort and hard work led to a positive result. After getting a man advantage the team was patient and the goal came early in the second half.”

Cristante went on to declare, "This a good starting point for this new season. I have a good feeling. I see a group of players that is becoming a team and that team is going to fight, without a doubt it is going to fight."

The new Bravos head coach concluded by saying, "Today everything went in our favor. The team closed off their attacking spaces and worked well when possessing the ball. I think it was a just victory that was diligently worked."

Up next for Bravos will be their home opener this season. They will host Queretaro on Friday night at Benito Juarez Olympic Stadium. Queretaro lost its first two matches this season and is currently in last place in the standings table. Kickoff is scheduled for 8pm M.T.