Atlanta United announced Friday afternoon the signing of forward Erick “Cubo” Torres. The Mexican International striker has signed with the Five Stripes as a Season-Ending Injury Replacement Player.
“Cubo is a natural goalscoring forward who will bolster our frontline and we’re pleased to add a player of his quality to the team,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He has consistently shown his finishing abilities in MLS, Liga MX and on the international stage, and we expect him to immediately contribute to the second half of our season.”
The 27-year-old forward has appeared in 230 professional matches and has scored 65 goals. Previously, he played the last two years with Liga MX’s Club Tijuana, where he appeared in 37 matches and scored seven goals.
Other clubs where he has featured include Mexico’s Chivas of Guadalajara, now-defunct Chivas USA, Houston Dynamo and Mexico’s UNAM Pumas.
Torres received his first call up to the Mexican National Team in 2014 under the guidance of manager Miguel Herrera. He was also part of the 2017 Gold Cup squad who advance to the semifinals, having featured in three matches.
The club also announced forward Josef Martinez has been placed in the Season-Ending Injury list as of Friday afternoon. Martinez suffered a season-ending ACL injury in his right knee in the team’s opening match of the regular season on March 18 against Nashville SC. He went on to have a successful surgery weeks later.
“Josef’s rehab is progressing well and is going to plan; however, it was important for us to make this move as it gives us roster relief and flexibility for the rest of the 2020 season,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “We will miss his ability and leadership on the field this season, but we look forward to having him back at the start of preseason next year.”
According to MLS rules, any player placed in the Season-Ending Injury list can not participate in any competition until the following year.
