Edison Flores did not present himself as he would have liked with Atlas and its fans, but he quickly knew how to recover. The 'Orejas' left behind the penalty he missed in his debut with the rojinegro team a few weeks ago, and this Saturday, with few minutes on the field, he shined with a valuable double assist that was essential for his team to celebrate an important victory in the Liga MX.
Between 2018 and 2019, the Peruvian midfielder had left a good impression in Mexican lands after displaying his talent with Monarcas Morelia. In fact, that stage opened the doors for him in MLS, where he was signed as a franchise player by DC United.
With the American team, Flores had several ups and downs in his performance. He recorded three goals and eight assists in 42 games played. After more than two years there, the 'Orejas' returned to Mexico to strengthen himself and received a warm welcome from his new team, Atlas.
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"Orejas Flores joins the Mexican Football Academy at the peak of his career, ready to contribute his experience and make his dynamism the weapon that helps the Zorros continue to transcend," the Mexican two-time champion presented their new reinforcement.
"Very happy, very happy to be able to join the two-time champion. Welcome to the Mexican Football Academy ❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/F03wG5Na3d
— 🎖Atlas🎖FC🎖 (@AtlasFC) June 25, 2022
Debut day arrived and Flores was given the number '10' to wear on his back. Thus, the Peruvian made his debut with the rojinegro team in the 2022 Liga MX Supercup against Cruz Azul, with Luis Abram (he entered at 62 minutes) and missed a decisive penalty in the shootout, which prevented what would have been his new team's first title. The criticism towards him was inevitable.
It was just bad luck to start his adventure with Atlas like that, but 'Orejas' quickly turned the page to stay focused on his goals. Before this weekend, he played two games in the Mexican tournament, both starting from the bench (against America and Toluca), and in neither of them could he help his team win.
But things started to turn around in a rematch against Cruz Azul. Although he was still a substitute, Edison was able to enter the field in place of his compatriot Anderson Santamaría at 67 minutes to add people in attack. The 'Máquina Cementera' had been left with one man less after Carlos Rotondi's expulsion (45+5′) and the 'Zorros' were not taking advantage of their numerical superiority on the field. That's why this unusual change among the Peruvians occurred.
In the few minutes he had, the 'Orejas' began to show what he's made of. Just three minutes after entering the field, he executed a magnificent cross from his sector (left side) for his teammate Ángel Márquez to score a header for the 2-1. Then, at 82 minutes, he provided a new assist for Julián Quiñones to score the 3-1, which Cristian Tabó later reduced for the final 3-2 on the scoreboard.
Second assist by Edison Flores 🇵🇪. The 'Orejas' leaves a ball for the Colombian Quiñones to easily define. The former Universitario de Deportes player is slowly returning to his best form. pic.twitter.com/Sf0vbfTYal
— Jorge Castillo (@JCastilloRoque) July 17, 2022
This way, Edison Flores redeems himself, and no less than against the same rival with whom he tragically missed in his debut. This time, his entry was completely essential for Atlas' first victory in the Apertura, which is now sixth in the table with four points.
Surely, the Peruvian's influence on his new team's game will continue to be noticed over time. He hopes to maintain that productivity and help his team win matches, whether playing as a starter or as a substitute. That's the least of his concerns. In the meantime, he is enjoying the praise that until a few weeks ago were criticisms.