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An in-depth look at Jose Francisco Torres (in Spanish)

Jose Francisco Torres 2 (ISIphotos.com) 

Photo by ISIphotos.com

Photo by ISIphotos.com

Photo by ISIphotos.com

If you always wanted to know more about Jose Francisco Torres, but never knew much, the folks at ESPN Deportes put together a comprehensive profile on the U.S. national team and Pachuca midfielder.

The program is in Spanish, so apologies to those of you who don't know the language, but for those of you who do know Spanish, the profile is an in-depth look into a young player with a bright future:

What did you think of the profile? Are you an even bigger fan of Torres now? Can you see him making the move to La Liga one day?

Share your thoughts below (and feel free to translate any of the better parts below for our Spanish-deficient readers).

Comments

  1. My kids play club soccer in Vegas. There seems to be a divide locally at the youth level. There are the Mexican leagues and the Club leagues. Which is not to say there aren’t some Hispanic kids in the club leagues, or white kids playing in the Mexican leagues. There just isn’t a lot of integration of the leagues. We sometimes compete in tournaments but not so typically in regular league play.

    Does it seem that way in other communities? Las Vegas has a pretty decent sized Hispanic community (granted it’s not the southern part of Texas).

    Perhaps it’s too much of a generalization but I think that divide is gradually eroding. The U.S. soccer will definitely benefit when the technical side of Mexican football blends with the more physical style seemingly preferred by the clubs. Maybe it will take a couple more generations before that is really complete.

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  2. Did anybody see the U20 USMNT roster for the Dallas Cup? There were six or seven Mexican-Americans on the roster. I think USSF realizes they need to develop this source of talent.

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  3. Agreed with everything in the show except for when Meza said “va muy bien de cabeza”, which obviously Torres doesn’t.

    Impressed they got Bob to sit down and comment, even Aguirre, even Gio.

    What I found most interesting was that Torres’s friends in Longview came from both backgrounds, as well–one friend would support him in Spanish, the next in a Texas drawl. And the one Mexican-American kid talking IN a Texas drawl about “haters” was the best.

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  4. Thank you to Pachuca for recruiting in America and developing Torres into a great player. Also to all the Mexicans who called him Gringo all the time to remind him he’s an American.

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  5. I think Torres should be on the WC roster, but I wouldn’t start him.

    I find it humorous when people like to rip the coach when he doesn’t start whatever player we are high on at the moment.

    I feel that it was obvious in the friendly against the Dutch last month that he still holds the ball for too long and in the international game you have to move the ball quickly and decisively. Torres said so himself – I feel that is why he often looks better in games when he is subbed in, there is often more space later in games as teams tire and there is more space due to teams pressing or falling back looking to defend. I believe at this moment in his career, these situations benefit Torres more.

    During the World Cup, and we are looking for a goal, that is the type of player you insert to look for that killer pass, provide options for the defense and to connect with his other midfielders or to the forwards.

    Once he is more acclimated to the international game, and learns to “play faster”, I believe you can than discuss him as a legitimate starter.

    Until then I think we (as USMNT and/or Torres’ fans) are just falling in the trap of the backup quarterback syndrome.

    As an American and a Latino, I’m proud to root for Jose Torres, Herculez Gomez, Carlos Bocanegra, Michael Orozco, etc. They are as American as Dempsey or Beasley.

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  6. Great stuff. Loved the “gringa” supporters group in Pachuca. Hopefully Torres will inspire more Mexican-Americans to dream of wearing the red-white-and-blue national team shirt.

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  7. thanks for the translation…I’m African American and Nigerian…lol I understood that video a little bit though cause I did take spanish in college also what did Gio Dos Santos actually say??cause if i heard right, he said something about it being Jose’s personal decision and people should respect that but yea what did he actually say?

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  8. Torres is a great player, he deserves a spot on the wc squad. He plays regularly for his club and has great technical ability. he had a few bad games with the usmnt but should get another look he will greatly benefit us in the world cup

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  9. I forgot to mention JFT’s Texas friends and HS coach (British accent and all) were always supportive of him even when he went to Mexico. Now that’s friendship. That said, they all admitted that JFT’s form in Mexico is what got him noticed by USSF.

    I’m not trying to beat a dead horse, but we really need to do a better job of scouting for more JFTs’Why?

    Many FMF teams (just like Euro clubs) are looking at the US as a potential gold (or goal) mine for talent. The difference is that many Mexican-Americans can be seduced of playing for their parent’s homeland (like Rossi sort of).

    For Giovanni Dos, Aguirre, Meza and Mexican Soccer media to recognize this means the USSF needs to step it up.

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  10. I think it’s ballsy that his primary motivation (aka dream) for playing in Spain is to play against Messi.

    What American can say that, much less think it?

    I know our boys can play with anybody, but only JFT called it out.

    JFT = American Dreamer

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  11. Torres please don’t go to La liga…yet. steady playing time and experience at Pachuca is worth MUCH more than sitting the bench for Madrid. While you’re at it…tell Gooch to go back to Liege too.

    The part where he’s talking about the decision to play for the U.S. was really interesting. I have even more respect for him now.

    I thought Dempsey’s wife was hot, but la novia del gringo is the winner.

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  12. Kudos for taking the time to do this. I appreciate it. Interesting that they would focus on JFT rather than another Mexican NT player. BTW – two notes.

    1. Anyone notice the empty stands at some of the early field shots. If that were MLS people would claim the league is dead.

    2. It won’t make a huge difference, but I know that these type of documentaries are the type of thing that can turn a casual sports fan into a soccer fan. Especially for those who haven’t had much to do with the game since they were kids. This gives them storylines to follow and an emotional tie to the sport.

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  13. E for effort on that one. Problem is BB does have some degree of respect for the Mexican League. Don’t know how much he will play in SA but Torres will be on the team in SA.

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  14. His WAG is very attractive. How does she compare to other USMNT WAGs? Doesn’t Sasha Kjestan go out with a Victoria Secret model?

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  15. good lord, they ask everyone Torres knows for their opinion of Torres’ decision to play for the USA…

    “Garbage Man of El Gringo”

    “Pues, nada, el tomo su dicision y que podemos decir? Tuvo que hacer el mejor para su futuro y sus suenos…”

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  16. In a nutshell, here are ELAC’s cliff notes on this wonderful piece

    Racist! Traitor! That’s what we was called by Mexico fans after he made his decision (to sit on Bob Bradley’s bench)

    Pachuca is the birthplace of Mexican soccer. It was there that British coal miners came with their round ball in the 1800’s.

    Gringo is a nickname used in all of LAtin America (not in racist or national terms) to identify “forgeiners” in the pro leagues.

    JFT’s dad came to Texas and married himself a nice, Texan woman who spoke no Spanish. Her tears and sadness came from the moment she lost her son to go to Pachuca at a very young age. Despite this, she encouraged him to follow his dream.

    His uncle was his first mentor at 2 YEARS OLD! His dream was to make him a footballer. Period (and to play for El Tri).

    Pachuca saw extrordinary talent in him despite the fact that he was from America. FMF teams scouting in the states was a new thing. All Pachuca coaches spoke of his “vision,” “technique,” and “passing ability”. (traits not valued so much here in the USA)

    He was always going to play for the Mexico NT. He also told other Mexican players, who spoke candidly about his character and ability that he was looking forward to it. One said he looked forward to playing with him for Mexico. It was the dream of his family (Dad/uncle) and his fans. However…….

    JFT was hurt that he couldn’t go to the Olympics in ’08. At that moment, he decided to play for the USMNT. Why? How? His coach, “Ojitos” (small/squinty eyes) Meza told him, “If the US calls you again, you take the offer and don’t look back”. Also, that PAchuca team was full of Colombians/Argies who repeated the same words of Meza.

    Mexico, went through turmoil with Hugo Sanchez-“Chucho” Ramirez-Sven Goran Ericcson as the coach of the MEXNats. Credit USSF, for seeking out JFT.

    As you can tell from his “very-Texan” family and friends, he had the support to make a once in lifetime choice. For being 20y.o., it was the hardest choice ever.

    After doing so, he was called “racist” “traitor” and probably other colorful words. If he sucked or was just average, it would not be a big deal. Thus, the anger. His parents were hurt and are still hurt. Particularly, his dad and uncle. However, they’ve moved on. JFT’s Mom looks like one proud TEXAN, once again. Her boy is really a gringo. (sarcasm)

    Alexia Imaz. Remember the name. That’s JFT’s 10+ girlfriend who also backed him up on his decision. She’s ranks just as high as Gooch’s Euro GF and Dempsey’s bird. All I got to say is wow.

    Javier Aguirre was in Spain when he saw Pachuca. He only noticed JFT. He said “Who is that?” and “why do they call him, Gringo ’cause he doesn’t physically look like a gringo”. He admired him for things mentioned earlier about technical ability, passing, and vision. He admitted to the uncertainty of the FMF selecting a coach and the time wasted, cost him JFT. Aguirre is a proud man and seemed to be slightly bummed at not having him. (which is kinda ironic, since HE left Mexico to play for the La Aztecs along with Johan Cruyff and one Thomas Rongren).

    Las Gringas. All female supporter group for JFT. Quite impressive ladies. As they explained, “We suport him here at Pachuca and we support him there in the US”

    Much of my own personal feelings could be supported by Hector Huerta (of ESPN Deportes) “He made a personal choice not for Mexicans or AMericans. He was born there and has every right to choose the US. In the future many others will make that same decision.”

    (The varying seniment among Aguirre/Pachuca execs./other Mexican journos is that they lost JFT but hope to find others in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)

    If this is not a wake up call for the USSF to change or adapt their myopic, Euro ways of playing this game, I don’t know what is.

    On a personal note,

    I know I am selfish, narrow-minded, self centered when I say this, but JFT needs to be on the US team in SA. He carries the hopes and dreams of many of us Mexican-Americans who didn’t always take advantage of our opportunities in life or simply, didn’t get a chance at all.

    He is not the first Latino nor will he be the last, but the Mexican road he took was one littered with hardship, sadness, and now triumph.

    I have shared my doubts about Bob taking him to South Africa many times, but now I hope he does take him and play him. To do that, I really feel Bob needs to go to Pachuca and consult (don’t laugh) with their coaches as to how he would best suit Bob’s “style” of play. Why? Gringo dreams of Spain. He also dreamed of playing in the world cup and playing professionally. He almost there. A transfer fee from Spain would be bring Pachuca lots of dinero. I’m just sayin’.

    Thanks for sharing Ives.

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  17. Why is mama del gringo crying and saying “It was very difficult?”

    I don’t speak spanish, but i can see crying and read muy difficil.

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  18. Good vid. Very interesting and informative (especially the whole Aguirre scene).. and yes.. his gf is smoking hot.

    Torres is just the tip of the iceberg. There are TONS of players of latino descent that are not being scouted/trained/developed properly by the US. He got lucky.

    I clearly remember school coaches sitting down their most talented players for kids who were bigger and ran faster. Too much emphasis on athletics, but not enough on technique. There needs to be a balance.

    Now with academies set up by MLS teams (RBNY’s for example) and the “browning” of the US, we should see more and more exciting players of minority descent that not only have that high quality technique, but the physicality to compete anywhere. Guys like Agudelo, Irving Garcia, Luis Gil, and Omar Gonzales are names that come into mind.

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  19. You are freaking Funny Bob Bradley, by the way I believe you when you say that you agree with the Federation that Spanish-speaking players will play a minor role in the future of US soccer, it is always encouraging to see US players excelling, no matter how insignificant the league they play in. LMAO

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