GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Jose Torres has been unable to win a starting spot for Tigres UNAL in Liga MX play so far in 2014, but once again featured in the Copa MX, with his team winning 4-0 at home on Tuesday against Correcaminos.
Torres started in central midfield as the Monterrey team – in last place in the Liga MX – put its league woes behind it and moved into a dominant position in Group 2.
The 2010 World Cup veteran midfielder went close in the 39th minute when a shot from the edge of the penalty area flew just over the bar and was tidy in his general play.
The win puts Tigres six points ahead of second-place Correcaminos, although for Torres, transferring cup starts to impressive league performances will be vital if he is to make a run at the US squad for this summer's World Cup.
In Group 1, Alonso Hernandez played an hour in Monterrey’s 2-0 victory at Cruz Azul Hidalgo and, like Tigres, Los Rayados are comfortable at the top of the table with three wins out of three in the Copa MX.
Jonathan Bornstein is in a similar position to Torres at present in getting cup starts but no league love as he once against completed 90 minutes in Atlante’s 1-1 draw at Delfines. Los Potros moved on top of Group 4 of the Copa MX, but Pumas UNAM or Mérida will leapfrog them after their showdown on Wednesday.
Tom Marshall covers Americans playing in Latin America for MLSsoccer.com. E-mail him at tom.marshall.mex@gmail.com
