By GIANFRANCO PANIZO
Jose Francisco Torres' resume continues to grow more impressive with each passing month. Torres added to his international experience on Wednesday by starting in Pachuca's Copa Libertadores clash against Universidad de Chile.
After falling behind early, Torres almost hit the equalizer for the visitors with a 25-yard blast but Universidad goalkeeper Miguel Pinto would have none of it as he tipped the ball over the crossbar with a one-handed save.
Torres also received a yellow card in the 33rd minute and despite being subbed off in the second half of Pachuca's 1-0 loss, he added a solid showing to his resume. It is a solid showing that just might have sealed his call-up to the United States' World Cup qualifier against Mexico on Feb. 11 in Columbus, Ohio.
With the second day of a busy mid-week schedule complete, here is how the rest of the Americans Abroad did on Wednesday:
England
PREMIER LEAGUE
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Tim Howard started, played 90 minutes and made one save in Everton's 1-1 draw vs. Arsenal on Wednesday.
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Jonathan Spector did not dress in West Ham's 2-0 win vs. Hull City on Wednesday.
COCA COLA CHAMPIONSHIP
- Eddie Johnson dressed but did not play in Cardiff City's 2-0 win vs. Coventry City on Wednesday.
Germany
BUNDESLIGA 2
- Heath Pearce dressed but did not play in Hansa Rostock's 5-1 loss vs. VfL Wolfsburg on Wednesday in the DFB Pokal.
Mexico
- Jose Francisco Torres started, played 67 minutes and drew a yellow card in Pachuca's 1-0 loss vs. Universidad de Chile on Wednesday in a Copa Libertadores qualifier.
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What do you think of these performances? Disappointed that Torres' Pachuca fell to Universidad de Chile? Think they can turn around the aggregate in their home-leg of the series? Upset to see the majority of the Americans Abroad inactive once again?
Share your thoughts below.
Anyone see the highlight of Arsenal’s goal against Everton? Some on the BBC text made the comment that Howard probably could’ve saved it.
Really sucks, too…a win would’ve moved Everton 2 points away from Arsenal’s 5th position. Now, they remain at 5 points back.
WOW Thank goodness Heath Pearce didn’t weaken Rostok’s defense! It looks like their back line had a solid showing! UGH!
Very hard for Howard or anyone to save that shot. Van Perse blitzed through unchallenged and rocketed it in stride from close range. It was so sad to see them go down to a tie in extra time. Howard must be furious with his defense.
Torres will definitely get the call up as should Orozco. They both are getting quality minutes. The game against Pachuca this past weekend Orozco played right back and did a decent job.
I wouldn’t mind seeing Torres getting the start. I know it sounds naive that he would get the start over Beasley but it seems that Torres is more in form. Experience over form?
Torres needs to get a call he’s made a big sacrifice for USMNT
Sad!? I cried for joy when that goal when it. USA fan all the way but the Arsenal are way more important…
Torres definitely deserves the call; he’s looked solid in every game. He probably deserves to start, but I’m not sure he’s had enough time to gel with the rest of the Nats.
I hope Pachuca can turn it around, there my new favorite Mexican team
. It will be great experience for Torres if he can keep playing in the Copa…
What did torres sacrifice? He’s playing on the best team in concacaf. He’s an American. HMmm… so confused?
Alex, in fairness, he plays in Mexico and I imagine more than a few fans and perhaps other players try to make him uncomfortable about his choice. It’s not like sacrificing a kidney to save a child, but still…
I would not give the auto start, not a fan of it. Not bc of him, but I dont think anyone should have an auto start at least not with the players we currently have. I think all the spots should be up for grabs (worst offender MB’s shoe-in everytime). Torres & Orozco should get called in, they start in a great league for good teams. They deserve the call up and I am sure that they would be pumped to play Mexico.
So, it was a solid showing then?
I’ve read Beasley (soccertimes) and Dolo (yanks abroad) are nicked up. Not sure how bad for each and if it keeps them out of camp. But, that would shake thing up for our line-up…. Not going to miss Beasley and as I’ve stated previously, I don’t think he was match fit anyways. Dolo will be missed however. Heydude is probably not in shape and Wynne is still a liability.
Anyone else bothered by the fact that our supposed starting back in Heath Pearce barely plays for a team near the bottom of the table in 2Bundesliga?
Torres can certainly play on the left or right-i’d choose him over beasley at this point due to DMB’s non-playing status.
“Sad!? I cried for joy when that goal when it. USA fan all the way but the Arsenal are way more important…
Posted by: simms21 | January 29, 2009 at 09:59 AM”
Crybaby.
not concerned aboutpearce, if he was born in germany he would be starting with the performance hes put in. you have average performances on a bad and our american -out. avergage performances as a german on a bad team-nothing happens.
Torres should make the team, and possibly start, but definitely make the bench.
Torres should play v. Mexico just for the “F-you!” factor.
Haven’t you heard? They have changed the name of the Mexican National Team to the Not Quite As Mexican National Team.
The amount of crap the Torres probably gets from fans, teammates etc…is probably a lot…
So yes…he made his personal life a little more complicated…but most def made the right choice professionally.
Love to see Bradley play Torres on the left wing against Mexico….but that may be asking too much from Bunker Bob
Do you mean ‘Gringo’ Torres which Azteca calls him? Yes, Beas on bench.
Torres should start over Beasley, Orozco over Pearce. Both players are in better form.
I know there are a lot of Orozco haters after the Olympics, but this kid may be our best option at LB right now.
I’m not high on Bornstein and Pearce needs to start playing regularly.
Ouch! Dolo may be out? Frankie running wild at RB again does not compel my enthusiasm.
Until Wynne or Franklin develop, what other options do we have at RB?