Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By RYAN TOLMICH
The story of Chivas USA has reached its conclusion, but it appears that the tale of Erick ‘Cubo’ Torres is just beginning.
The 21-year-old forward proved to be a bright spot for a club headed towards its demise, as Torres consistently proved to be among one of the most exciting players in MLS on his way to earning recognition as SBI MLS Young Player of the Year.
Having scored 15 of his side’s 29 goals on the season, Torres asserted himself as one of the league’s most prolific goal scorers, despite his age, on his way to finishing tied for seventh in the league in finishes. Highlighted by a goalscoring streak that continued for six straight games, Torres’ performances earned the 21-year-old a call up to the Mexican national team and, while his future with MLS may remain unknown for the time being, Torres has staked his claim as bonafide young player to watch.
Torres beat out a talented group of young stars for this year’s award, which honors the best player in MLS 22 or younger. Here is a look at the rest of the nominees below:
2. WIL TRAPP, Columbus Crew
For the majority of 2014, the Columbus Crew preached a vision for the future, and that vision was personified by the play of Wil Trapp.
Dubbed “The Franchise”, Trapp’s play drew the praise of even the great Thierry Henry, as the 21-year-old anchored a Crew midfield that led the team to a late-season surge to the playoffs. Already blessed with the poise and intelligence of a star beyond his years, the Crew seem to have found their midfield general for years to come.
3. JOAO PLATA, Real Salt Lake
After serving as little more than a change of pace during his first three years in the league, Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata emerged as a serious threat in 2014. Just two years after being discarded by Toronto FC, the short-statured speedster netted 13 goals to lead the way for RSL.
4. PERRY KITCHEN, D.C. United
D.C. United defensive midfielder might just be the league’s quietest budding star.
Kitchen is far from flashy in his role with D.C. United, which sees the 22-year-old used as a pivotal cog in the midfield. Heralded as one of the league’s more mature young players, Kitchen netted four goals in 2014 while also proving to be part of the defensive renaissance that carried the team to the top of the Eastern Conference.
5. DEANDRE YEDLIN, Seattle Sounders
The 2014 season saw DeAndre Yedlin go from young player to watch to true MLS star.
The 21-year-old fullback continued his development into 2014 as the Sounders earned the club’s first Supporters’ Shield.Highlighted by his performances in the 2014 World Cup, Yedlin’s play caught the eye of Tottenham, earning a move to the Premier League at a late date.
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What do you think of SBI’s selection? Agree that Torres was the best young player in 2014? Which young player stood out to you in 2014?
Share your thoughts below.