Erick “Cubo” Torres' big season for Chivas USA has not gone unrecognized – the Mexican national team has called him up as one of six foreign-based players for its upcoming friendlies, it was announced Thursday.
It’s the first senior team call-up for the 21-year-old striker, on loan from CD Chivas Guadalajara, who is third in MLS’ Golden Boot standings with 14 goals. The El Tri youth product, who played in the 2011 U-20 World Cup, will join the team for friendlies next month against Chile (Sept. 6 in Santa Clara, California) and Bolivia (Sept. 9 in Commerce City, Colorado).
In total, Torres has bagged 21 goals since joining Chivas USA in July 2013, making him the highest-scoring Mexican-born player in league history, ahead of former Chicago Fire DP and Mexico legend Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
The other foreign-based players being called up by manager Miguel Herrera are midfielder Andres Guardado (Valencia CF), goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (Málaga), midfielder Giovani Dos Santos (Villarreal CF), midfielder Hector Herrera (Porto) and forward Javier Aquino (Rayo Vallecano). The remainder of Mexico's roster is expected to be announced next week.
