Erick Torres Is a Perfect Fit With the Houston Dynamo
By Douglas Smith
@DFresh39
Getty Images
Perhaps surprisingly, the Houston Dynamo have secured the services of Erick “Cubo” Torres through the single-entity machine of MLS. The Seattle Sounders, Los Angeles Galaxy and the New York teams were expected to get the first shot at Cubo, but he fell to Houston and it could not be a better fit. Cubo has shown great skill on the field and his personality is enduring. The Dynamo should cash in off the field as well. There are plenty of positives to this five-year deal.
Cubo has recently broken into the Mexican National Team. Geographically, playing in Houston helps the connection with national team fans. While it is hard to pin down the exact population of people in Houston that identify with Mexico, the Spanish language population is high. According to the City of Houston Planning and Development Department, the 37 percent of households that speak Spanish is eight percentage points higher than Texas on average. Houston’s share of foreign born population in percentage is twice as much as the United States.
There are some generalities at play here, but the infusion of a young, promising player should sell a few more tickets in Houston. The Dynamo’s average attendance in 2014 was about 2,000 tickets less than stadium capacity. Also, Houston did not have a player in the top 15 in jersey sales atthe midpoint of the 2014 season. Cubo’s popularity is on the rise, and fans like to align with an upcoming star. Of course there will be some Mexico jerseys in the stands, but that orange No. 9, or whatever number he chooses, will be popular.
New coach Owen Coyle likes to play attractive, attacking football, and Torres will be a prime target. Boniek Garcia and Brad Davis should be able to find the shifty striker with their service. Coyle will also have the option of playing Torres with another speedy player in Giles Barnes or allowing him to run onto balls flicked on by a taller Will Bruin.
Torres will be on loan with Chivas Guadalajara for six months, but he is worth the wait in Houston where a new era is beginning. The Dynamo paid a record $7 million fee to secure the services of Torres. However, the return on investment will be high for Houston. This signing just makes sense.
Douglas Smith is a soccer writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DFresh39, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
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