GO BACK TO GUADALAJARA

There is little doubt that Erick “Cubo” Torres has become a very valuable player, and even less doubt Jorge Vergara and Co. made a miscalculation by loaning him to the now defunct Chivas USA with an option to buy. In hindsight, perhaps it was slightly defensible. Cubo was struggling on the field and reportedly, off it as well. Torres was a young player being touted as the next Chicharito in Guadalajara, which was a tremendous amount of pressure to put on a teenager.

Two years and 22 goals later, it is clear Torres’ career could be beneficial to both Chivas and Mexico. The news that he was back in Mexico training with his old club has fans salivating at the idea of a return to the struggling team. The improvements to his game and confidence he has gotten in the MLS would make for a smooth transition to a club that desperately needs some form of attack. An attack that has not received enough goals from Omar Bravo, Aldo De Nigris or the oft injured Rafael Marquez Lugo. While Cubo netted 15 goals this season alone, the Chivas have received just four goals from their forwards in 15 games. At just 21 years old, Cubo could be the man to save his old club from relegation and cement a legacy for himself at the storied club.

That is the selfish Chivas point of view, but it could also help Torres fulfill another one of his goals. He has stated how much he wants to play for the Mexican National team and with the MLS season now over, a move back to Liga MX would drastically help him catch Piojo Herrera’s eye again. Piojo often calls in domestic league players for El Tri and it would keep him in form leading up to the Copa America and Copa Oro in the summer. A stay in MLS would mean no playing time until March, leaving him with limited time to impress El Tri. By helping stave off relegation, Cubo may help his own case and perhaps open the door to even bigger things.

At the moment, however, his future is in Major League Soccer’s hands, and fans will be keeping an eye on Cubo in both America and Mexico.