The Dynamo yesterday formally introduced F Erick "Cubo" Torres, and team President Chris Canetti said that the acquisition of the Mexican national team player is the "most significant signing in franchise history," according to Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE. The team has "attempted to tap into Houston's soccer-loving Mexican and Mexican-American markets" since debuting in '06, and hopes Torres will help it "finally capture" those fans. Torres was developed by Mexican team Chivas de Guadalajara and is "still on loan with the club through the next five months." Unlike other Mexican stars "who signed with MLS long after their skills had diminished, Torres is in the early part of what should be a bright career." The Dynamo also would "love nothing more than for Torres to blossom into a regular with the Mexican national team." The Dynamo typically have been "ignored by most of the fans who fill Reliant Stadium when Mexico visits." Torres yesterday "went through several soccer drills" at BBVA Compass Stadium so the Dynamo's marketing personnel "could shoot action video" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 2/9).
