Transfer News: Erick Torres To Los Angeles Galaxy?

Jun 14, 2014; Cary, NC, USA; Chivas USA forward Erick Torres (9) reacts during overtime of the US Open Cup fourth round against the Carolina Railhawks at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Carolina Railhawks advanced 1-1 (3-2 on penalties) Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Here at the MLS Multiplex, we are keen on giving you some of the best transfer news and rumors that could make things interesting for a lot of teams in Major League Soccer. One of the biggest transfer stories that could make things a lot interesting for soccer fans in Los Angeles is that of Erick “Cubo” Torres. According to a report from Soccer Morning and also mentioned by LAG Confidential, Erick Torres will only play for Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy if he wants to remain in MLS.

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Landon Donovan is retiring this season, meaning that a designated player spot is open. If Torres, who is currently on loan from Guadalajara, fills that spot, the designated players for LA will be Robbie Keane, Torres and Omar Gonzalez. A possible formation would be that of a 4-3-1-2 formation or a 4-4-2 diamond, with Keane dropping back and Zardes and Cubo the two prongs in the attack. Here’s a sample of what it could look like, assuming Torres is acquired and wears the No. 10.

11 Gyasi Zardes —- 10 Erick Torres

7 Robbie Keane (C)

19 Juninho —- 8 Marcelo Sarvas —- 24 Stefan Ishizaki

14 Robbie Rogers —- 22 Leonardo/21 Tommy Meyer —- 4 Omar Gonzalez —- 33 Dan Gargan/20 A.J. DeLaGarza

18 Jaime Penedo

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If the Galaxy win MLS Cup, some allocation money could be used to put Torres on the books as a non-paid DP and, in theory, add another DP from overseas to the roster. Otherwise, with Torres as the Galaxy’s third designated player, it would be a major coup for Los Angeles in terms of finding continuity in their attack next season and would allow Torres to put his skills to the test in CONCACAF Champions League play with LA.

Speaking of Keane, the impact the Galaxy captain brings to the table is nothing short of immense. Adam Serrano of the Los Angeles Galaxy Insider argues that Keane’s impact rivals that of outgoing New York Red Bulls legend Thierry Henry or D.C. United’s Jaime Moreno.

“Those are different eras,” Arena said, when asked of comparing the Keane era to that of Moreno. “Robbie has been an important part of this team and our success, but how it compares to the Marco Etcheverrys and the Morenos of the world, I don’t know. He’s had an impact here, but Robbie came into a much more established club than the one that started the league. Those are different eras and it’s hard to compare specific players.”