HOUSTON – In the summer of 2013, Erick ‘Cubo’ Torres, was signed by Chivas USA as a Designated Player. He announced his MLS arrival on his debut match the only way he knew how – by scoring a goal.
From that game on, Torres set fire to MLS defenses. He scored 7 goals in 15 games. A year later, he doubled those marks with 15 goals in 29 games. Those imposing offensive stats no doubt played a role in his landing with the Dynamo.
Unfortunately for the Torres and the Dynamo, he hasn’t yet replicated that same success since he arrived in Houston in July 2015. Torres has yet to score in 339 regular-season minutes for the Dynamo, though he has found success at the international level with the Mexican Under-23 national team, and in Dynamo preseason.
On the pressure to live up to his Designated Player status, Torres said he doesn’t feel any and sees himself as just another player who wants to help the Dynamo succeed.
And he’s keeping himself ready.
After each Dynamo practice, barring team commitments, Torres is one of a group of players who stay behind to work one extra shooting drills. Friday’s after-practice free-kick drill was no exception. Torres stepped up and sent a screamer past the ‘keeper. He celebrated by running around the box and diving on the grass – perhaps working on a long-awaited goal celebration.
“I’m preparing myself so I can be ready when it’s my turn to play,” said Torres after Friday’s practice. “If it’s not on the field, it’s taking 10-20 more shots on goal, gym sessions, if not in the facility, then in my home gym.”
Torres didn’t get off the bench in Sunday’s season-opening 3-3 draw against the New England Revolution, if only due to an unfortunate turn of events.
“Our plan was to use Cubo in the game last week,” said Houston Dynamo head coach Owen Coyle after Thursday’s practice.
“But with injuries picked up to DaMarcus Beasley, then defensively we had to reshape and that curtailed Cubo from coming in.”
By Torres’ own account, he’s ready to play and contribute.
“Whatever playing time I can get, if it’s 90 minutes, 35 minutes or playing several games in a row, I know I’m gonna play well and score a lot of goals for this franchise,” said Torres. “I just need to get some games under my belt.”
That opportunity could come soon enough and as early as Saturday’s Texas Derby against FC Dallas (8:30 pm ET, MLS LIVE).
“Cubo has been training really hard,” said Coyle. “And he’ll have his role to play this season, there’s no doubt about that.”
