COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Gabriel Torres was one among a long list of disappointments for the Colorado Rapids during a rough 2014.
Deemed unfit, the Panamanian forward was placed on a special training program last May and later relegated to the role of bench warmer, a far cry from the expectations set forth when he was signed as the first Designated Player in club history in August 2013.
But in his nine starts this season, Torres has been one of the team’s bright spots. The 26-year-old has recaptured his form, scoring four goals in Colorado’s past five games – his highest output in a Rapids uniform.
“I had the will to keep working and the perseverance, and I never gave up during the tough times,” Torres said of his extensive transformation. “This year I've been able to show that, given the opportunity, I can provide a lot for this team.”
His coaching staff has taken notice.
“I think last year was a learning experience for a lot of people, myself included. One of the players that came away with the greatest understanding is Gaby,” Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. “Ironically, compared to a year ago, he’s one of the fittest guys on our team. I marvel at his mindset.
“He’s always had the ability. What’s changed is his inner voice, his drive and his adaptability to a different culture and a different league. That’s been remarkable. He’s changed his life from the player I’ve met last year to the player he is now.”
Not only has Torres contributed a lot, he’s done so in a variety of roles. While the club waits for the reinforcements of signings Luis Solignac and Kevin Doyle, Torres has seen most of his time as a right winger, but also appeared as the Rapids' lone forward at times.
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“Playing on the right, he’s done a great job, and then going up top, he’s been doing well with his opportunities, making great runs and holding the ball in the box,” Mastroeni said of the versatility Torres has displayed. “His effort has been tremendous. It’s a reflection of what we have and the culture we’re building here at the club.”
Added Torres: “I am very happy with the support I've received from the coaching staff and from my teammates. I think Pablo and the coaching staff have done a fantastic job with this group, knowing that we are a young team. They’ve been able to communicate all of their experience to us.”
The hope is that the goals will soon translate to wins, particularly at home, where the Rapids have struggled thus far. To date, Torres has scored the team’s only home goal, a first-half equalizer in a 3-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders on April 18. Colorado will continue to seek their first home win in Friday’s game against the San Jose Earthquakes (10 pm ET, UDN, MLS LIVE, match preview).
“More than anything, I want to do whatever it takes to help the team win,” said Torres. “Obviously, for a forward, it's very important to keep scoring, but here the most important thing is the team as a whole. Our biggest focus right now is to get our first win at home.”
