Torneo Apertura 2012

[Pique]

Tonight's final will be on at 6:55 pm PT on Univision Deportes, the network's new sports channel which I believe is only available to DISH subscribers. I'd also suggest searching justin.tv for an internet stream if you do not get Univision Deportes.

Sunday's 2nd leg in Toluca will be available on the main Univision channel at 4 pm PT.

[Yogi]

Tijuana win leg 1 2-1, an article on the match., all the goals in the first half, Fidel Martinez and Pablo Aguilar with Tijuana's goals, Edgar Benitez with Toluca's. Should be a pretty even second leg on Sunday.

[robdog]

I saw some of this match - awesome atmosphere - however not enough for Tijuana IMHO - I think Toluca will win this in their La Bombonera - I know they stole the name from Boca

[Martin]

I am with robdog, it looks pretty good for Toluca in leg 2 but Tijuana's speed on the break could be useful in the return leg. Fidel Martinez, the Ecuadoran Neymar with one of the Xolos goals last night.

I'd like to see Tijuana win their first title but I also find it hard to root against any team coached by Toluca's Enrique Meza, one of the true gentlemen of this sport.

[robdog]

Why in the Gran Final, the commentator speaking in English? I want my MFL in Espanol

[chacal]

For this final:

Univision en espanol, Univision Deportes en ingles. First time I recall an English language broadcast of the Mexican league final. I think it is a good idea, expand the potential fan base.

0-0 at halftime, at this rate we will go into extra time if the score holds up.

[Dr. Z]

Tijuana did it! After a cautious first half, they scored 2 within about a monute to defeat Toluca 2-0 and win their first title in only their third half season in the first division! A Frernando Arce free kick went off the post and Richard Ruiz put in the rbeound then Duvier Riascos, who was a threat all game, took a nice pass from Edgar Castillo and beat Talavera the Toluca goalie to make it 2-0. Tijuana's excellent defense shut down Toluca's atatck, they held them to 1 goal over two legs and the Xolocuintles are now champions of Mexico. A wonderful rise for the club and you get the feeling they are in the first division to stay.

Elsewhere Jorge Vergara did not like Johan Cruyff's criticism of his constant changes in direction of the team so Vergara, being Vergara, made another one and fired Johan Cruyff as the team's "special adviser!" Of course that just proved Cruyff's point.

[Sergio]

Well done to Tijuana, I was impressed with how they shut down a very good Toluca team and as Dr Z wrote Tijuana's counters were a threat in the 2nd half.

Cruyff said today he was never personally informed that Chivas were no longer going to use his services. Yup, typical Jorge Vergara, as classy as always!

Some sad news as former Pachuca goalkeeper and current goalkeeping coach Miguel Calero has been declared brain dead following a stroke he had last week. Sad news for fans of the Colombian goalkeeper who won 3 Mexican and 4 CONCACAF titles, plus a Copa Sudamericana with Pachuca.

[robdog]

damn I just read the news about Calero. I will always remember him!!!

[Martin]

I am really saddened by Miguel Calero's death, "El Show" as he was nicknamed for his flamboyance, although to be honest there were plenty goalies more flamoboyant than he, but was a solid goalkeeper, a good leader on and off the field and from what I have read, a good person. He died way too yong, only 41. He's had problems with blood clots in the past, about 3-4 years ago he missed 6 months or more due to a blood clot in his shoulder.

A wire service obituary on him. RIP Miguel Calero.

Calero's death overshadows of course Tijuana's remarkable achievement in winning the Mexican title. Dr. Z makes a good point, Tijuana with some relative deep pockets asits owner and its developemnt in 3 short seasons, do appear like they are ready to establish themselves as a perennial power in Mexico. But it probably is too early to definitively say that, for now enjoy their title.

[Merengue]

I write more about Calero in the RIP thread at the bottom of the message board's front page. A sad and early ending to his accomplished life.

When I was in San Diego I took advantage of crossing over the border a few times for some Tijuana games and I enjoyed them but I never envisioned the club winning the title so soon. Antonio Mohamed has built up a good collective there. If/When I return to San Diego maybe I can convince manzanares, martin, penya and anyone else here to join me in going to a Xolos game?