1/11 Torres: Pachuca v. Atlas, Interliga Final 1 (R)

A little later than you expected though

The comeback back will be forgotten thanks to Calero. Atlas should be commended for their valiant effort and amazing comeback down a man. It may be a cruel was to lose but I think the best team won. Torres took his lone penalty well. Calmly stepped up and placed it perfectly. Overall I thought El Gringo played well. He's poise on the ball and his smooth style I really like. He doesn't pay above himself; just cool, calm and collected. JFT provides that perfect link up from the defense to the attack; he makes the transition easier for everyone. Playing in the Libertadores is going to add to his exposure and experience. This bodes well for the US. I'm sure Bradley was at the stadium tonight and I fully expect JFT to be on the roster for the game in Columbus. Hopefully with a possibility to start.

the yguy was mentioned at the end of the comments (before commercial just now) alongside el Chaco GImenez (sp?) ... as those who played best in midfield for Pachuca.... BTW, IMO el Chaco is one of the best players in the league....I don't watch much MFL, but one can see that guy's talent easily..... If this Argentine player can influence Torres, it'll be a good thing....

damnit, had an indoor game and missed a classic (don't have FSE to record, pay enough for goltv and setanta as it is). Can anyone report on Torres as a whole? Reading the PBP he seems to have played well, but a little more detail would be nice.

Bob has an interesting choice on his hands, I don't think he can start Torres vs. Mexico, as he's not been with the team enough to earn a spot, and probably doesn't yet fully understand his role (please save your snarky BB lines). That said, it's hard to keep him off the roster and give serious consideration to significant playing time.

MB is struggling a bit.

Edu isn't playing at all.

Sacha, Pablo & Rico are all in the offseason.

Szetela has the same inexperience issues.

We just don't have a dearth of solid central mids getting quality playing time. Torres is playing well, seems to have solidified a starting place, on one of the top Mexican clubs headed to the biggest club competition outside of Europe.

How amazingly monumental would a late Torres winner vs. Mexico in Columbus? The type of goal that can represent more than just a big WCQ win.

Is the Sweden match on an international date? That could be a vital chance for Torres to win a place.

Just to correct myself - Torres didn't have the final pass on Pachuca's 3rd goal but he was instrumental in the goal. He intercepted an Atlas pass and quickly played it forward to Blas Perez who played it to Chaco Gimenez on the right who scored the goal. Torres' interception made the quick counter possible.

No, it's not on an international date. I believe Pachuca plays that day against Orozco's San Luis.

Torres will probably make the roster for the Mexico game. I can't see him starting but I could see him among the first off the bench.

I heard that as well. And I agree. I've loosely followed the Primera Division in the past but recently I have paid very close attention mainly because on the influx on Mexican-Americans plying their trade there and being big contributors to their sides. Giménez is class, on and off the pitch from what you read. He's a perfect compliment to JFT. If Torres can soak in what Giménez does on the pitch Pachuca and the US will greatly benefit. I'm hoping at some point a MLS side will extend an offer to Giménez, two or three years down the road. He'd be a helluva teacher, leader, and player in MLS . One who could have Schelotto like impression.

Highlights of the game for those who missed the game (like me) though it doesn't show all pks. http://watchsocceronline.blogspot.com/

oh my god becky, look at that 3rd goal by atlas.

nice

hey i had other things to do, and besides who wouldn't have thought that when you are 3-0 and up a man.

I'll admit that it almost came back to bite in me in the arse.

like that matters..

Torres is calm on the ball and good with the ball in tight spaces. We don't have a lot of central midfielders like that, so it would be refreshing to have him in the lineup helping link the attack. In Feilhaber's absence, I would not mind seeing JFT play in front of Bradley.

This is just a question, but does Torres have any aspirations to move overseas at some point? I didn't know if he was looking to stay in the Mexican League for the duration of his career or if he was using it as a stepping stone? If so, what league would he fit into given his style of play?

I watched the entire game last night and he was so confident and I think in the entire match he turned the ball over only one time. His passes are accurate and he keeps the possession with his team.

I have read comments where he hopes to move on to Europe at an appropriate time.

Thank you, that is what I was wanting to know. Any idea what league fits him the best? I would think a less physical league like the Italian or Spanish League, but that may be shooting a little high, so I was thinking maybe Portugal.

italian league is pretty physical.

Pachuca fits him best for now. He has a lot of room to grow as he becomes a regular in their lineup. They've sold several important players in the past year and have a big challenge this season as they compete in Libertadores and their league.

Although we may think of Pachuca as one of the top teams in Mexico right now it's only true if you base it on their international tournament record. This past Fall apertura season they failed to finish in the top 8 and make the playoffs/liguilla. A year or two ago Pachuca was a contender in both their league (winning Spring clausura championships in both 2006 and 2007) and international play (Copa Sudamericana and Concacaf) but they have to improve to return to that level.

Word on the street is that Euro scouts have been looking at Torres and some other Mexican youth internationals.

I think he'll stay at Pachuca for at least another 4 years.

That could change if he shines internationally for the US in the coming years.

It could also change if he impresses in the upcoming Libertadores which we know is scouted heavily by Europeans.

I'd expect Torres to finish out 2009 with Pachuca. 2010 is fair game though. Not only could 2009 have done wonders for his career but he could (potentially) make the World Cup team and earn himself a contract (to a European club) with his play in South Africa.

Good news is that his dual mexican nationality will allow him to more easily on the field in la liga. I think he would be okay on a lower table la liga team.