Román Torres

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed on August 12, 2015.

PRONUNCIATION: roe-‐MAHN

One look at Román Torres is enough to earn him respect from any enterprising attacker. The center back has a bull neck, is built like a a freight train through his core and has calves the size of pineapples. Needless to say, he can out-jump most forwards, is hardly ever muscled off the ball and somehow stays frightfully nimble. Torres made his name in Panama as a pseudo-enforcer along the back, organizing his bank of four and providing an immovable object in the box on free kicks and breaks. If you get past Torres, you’ve earned it.

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INTERNATIONAL: Torres has been a key defensive cog in Panama’s machine for over a decade. Since his debut at the 2005 Gold Cup, Torres has made nearly 100 appearances for Panama and most recently captained the team in the 2015 Gold Cup.

OUTSIDE MLS: After beginning his career with Panama City outfit Chepo, Torres played in Colombia for nine years with five different teams. His most fruitful stint was the 89 matches he played for Millonarios FC, where he stamped his reputation as one of the finest defenders in the region.