Erick Torres returns to Dynamo after loan to Cruz Azul FC

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Mexican club Cruz Azul FC has declined its option on Torres, meaning the Designated Player's rights will return to the Dynamo.

The Dynamo loaned Torres to Cruz Azul on Sept. 3 for the remainder of the 2016 calendar year. Part of the deal required Cruz Azul to pay a transfer fee if it wanted to make the move permanent.

At the time of the loan Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan said the move was "in the best interest of everybody that Erick gets put into a fresh environment."

"One of two things will happen," Jordan said in September. "One, there will be a permanent transfer. The second option is Erick will return here with a fresh start of a new season."

The Dynamo signed Torres to a long-term contract in 2015, but the forward struggled from the day he arrived in Houston last summer. He has not scored a goal in 22 appearances, including seven starts.

Houston Dynamo forward Erick Torres during the second half of MLS game action against the San Jose Earthquakes at BBVA Compass Stadium Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle ) less Houston Dynamo forward Erick Torres during the second half of MLS game action against the San Jose Earthquakes at BBVA Compass Stadium Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle ... more Photo: James Nielsen, Staff Photo: James Nielsen, Staff Image 1 of / 11 Caption Close Erick Torres returns to Dynamo after loan to Cruz Azul FC 1 / 11 Back to Gallery

A knee injury prevented Torres from getting significant playing time with Cruz Azul. He subbed into two games before suffering the injury in his third game on Sept. 20. He did not play again until a friendly on Nov. 13.

Torres, who made a reported salary of $575,000 last season, could begin his second stint with the Dynamo with some promise.

New Dynamo coach Wilmer Cabrera coached Torres at Chivas USA in 2014. Torres scored 15 goals in 29 games that year.

Chivas USA was shut down following the season, and the Dynamo paid a reported transfer fee of $7 million to acquire Torres.

On Oct. 28, when he was introduced as the new Dynamo coach, Cabrera said if Torres was back with Houston he would not get special treatment.

"If for any reason Cubo comes back, he needs to be prepared to be part of this team," Cabrera said. "He knows me, but he needs to earn everything again to be part of this team."