At last, Torres returns to national stage
If during the lost seasons of 2015 and 2016 forward Erick Torres thought he was far away from contributing to the Dynamo, the gap that developed between him and the Mexico national team must have been frightening.
Thanks to a pair of great seasons with Chivas USA, Torres earned four caps with Mexico in 2014 and 2015. His last appearance came in April 2015, but that is when his career fell into a downward spiral.
In July of that year he arrived in Houston out of shape. He appeared in 11 matches over the last half of the season. Despite good performances in the preseason, the 2016 season was worse for playing time.
Torres thought he could help, but he rarely got the chance. If he couldn’t play for the Dynamo, how would he play for Mexico?
“It’s not a secret that the last year and a half of my career wasn’t the best due to the lack of playing time, due to injuries or whatever else,” Torres, 24, said through a translator. “However, the most important thing is that you have to keep working, keep trying, have a strong will and know what you are made of. I never stop believing in me. I never stopped believing about my capacity.”
That perseverance has paid off. After an injury to Alan Pulido, Torres has been called up to the national team for the Gold Cup. Mexico plays its first group-stage game against El Salvador on Sunday in San Diego. A return to top form
Torres’ call-up never would have happened had he not improved his attitude and work ethic with the Dynamo. First-year coach Wilmer Cabrera, who coached Torres for one season at Chivas USA, gave him a chance right away this season.
Torres hit the ground running, scoring six goals in his first four games. He is tied for second in MLS with 12 goals. His next goal will tie him with Brian Ching for the most in a single season in Dynamo history.
“For any player who has been doing well and then two years when everything went in the wrong direction, when you have this opportunity to come back it’s a big deal,” Cabrera said. “We are happy as a club. We are happy for him because he has earned the right to be there for what he has done so far on the field this year. No one has given anything to him.” World-Cup aspirations
The next step is for Torres to perform well and show that he can be depended on for upcoming World Cup qualifying games. It might be a stretch due to depth at his position, but scoring several goals in the Gold Cup at minimum will force the coaching staff to pay attention.
Torres has extensive history in the Mexico youth system and has worn the senior team’s jersey. More than two years later, he is excited to have that chance.
“I am at an age where I can consolidate my career and do important things with the national team,” Torres said. “This opportunity is a big opportunity to compete, a great opportunity to continue demonstrating my qualities as a soccer player. I hope I can help with goals, alongside my teammates.”