Alan Gordon against Román Torres ought to be a sight to behold inside CenturyLink Field on Sunday (Altitude 2:00 p.m. MT). The Rapids center forward faces the frightening form which is Torres, a Panama hero after his goal earlier this month sent his nation to their first FIFA World Cup finals.
Gordon's physical presence up top will take the strain away from the likes of Joshua Gatt and Dominique Badji, and allow them to look for space and pick their moments. Gordon the protector, though, will have his work cut out against Torres and that personal battle could be a tipping point in this contest.
Neither will back down from the challenge. For Gordon, who turned 36 earlier this week, he will relish the chance to end his 14th season with victory at the defending MLS Cup champions.
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Academy/Alan Gordon.jpg" style="height: 200px; width: 200px;"> |
<p align="center"><br><br><br><br><br><strong>vs.</strong></p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Academy/Torres_Roman.jpg" style="width: 200px; height: 200px;"> |
<p align="center">Alan Gordon</p> |
<strong>Name</strong> |
<p align="center">Román Torres</p> |
<p align="center">16</p> |
<strong>No.</strong> |
<p align="center">29</p> |
<p align="center">Forward</p> |
<strong>Position</strong> |
<p align="center">Defender</p> |
<p align="center">36</p> |
<strong>Age</strong> |
<p align="center">31</p> |
<p align="center">6'3"</p> |
<strong>Height</strong> |
<p align="center">6'2"</p> |
<p align="center">190lbs</p> |
<strong>Weight</strong> |
<p align="center">195lbs</p> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/USA flag.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<strong>Nationality</strong> |
<img alt="" src="https://colorado-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Academy/Panama flag.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: -webkit-center; width: 75px; height: 50px;"> |
<p align="center">2004</p> |
<strong>First joined MLS</strong> |
<p align="center">2015</p> |
<p align="center">14th season</p> |
<strong>MLS Experience</strong> |
<p align="center">3rd season</p> |
<p align="center">270</p> |
<strong>Appearances</strong> |
<p align="center">35</p> |
<p align="center">LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, Toronto FC, Chivas USA</p> |
<strong>Previous clubs</strong> |
<p align="center">Millonarios, La Equidad, Atlètico Nacional, Atlètico Junior, Cortulùa, San Francisco FC, Chepo FC</p> |
<p align="center">Gordon is a classic target forward - he is strong in the air, can hold the ball up and play with his back to goal, and has a remarkably good touch for a big man. He is also known for his propensity for clutch late goals, which he became known for in San Jose's 2012 Supporters' Shield run, and carried back with him to the Galaxy and now the Rapids.</p> |
<strong>What they say …</strong> |
<p align="center">One look at Román Torres is enough to earn him respect from any enterprising attacker. The center back has a bull neck, is built like a freight train through his core and has calves the size of pineapples. Needless to say, he can out-jump most forwards, is hardly ever muscled off the ball and somehow stays frightfully nimble. If you get past Torres, you’ve earned it.</p> |
