When Dayro Moreno left Tijuana unexpectedly in the beginning of the 2017 Clausura, it was uncertain who would take the lead for Xolos in scoring. Moreno (along with Morelia’s Raúl Ruidiaz) had co-lead the Apertura with 11 goals, and Xolos next leading scorers were Gabriel Hauche and Avilés Hurtado, who tied with four goals each.
The sudden loss of such an offensive force cast a huge shadow over the Clausura for Xolos. Admittedly, I was one of the doubters who openly wondered where the goals would come from.
Those fears would quickly subside. Avilés Hurtado has stepped up as a major force for Tijuana, inserting himself into both the Colombian National Team conversation and the conversation for best player in a Liga MX.