Dynamo forward Erick Torres leaves for Mexico camp

Recommended Video:

In three weeks Erick Torres will know if he gets to realize one of his childhood dreams.

Torres leaves Houston on Monday to join Mexico's U-23 camp where the coaches will finalize their picks for the Olympic team. Of the 24 players who attend the camp, 18 will make the final roster.

It would be surprising if Torres does not make the team. He has been a key player with it the last couple of years. In October he scored three goals and was named to the Best XI at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament that Mexico won for the second consecutive time.

"I am thrilled by the opportunity to represent my country," Torres said through a translator. "This is something I've thought about for a long time. I didn't make the final cut for the London Olympic Games, and I'm optimistic about making this 18-player squad for Rio. I want to make this dream a reality and I know that it will take a lot of hard work to get there."

This is the third time this season Torres will leave the Dynamo for international duty. Mexico's last game of the camp is July 3. After that Torres will rejoin the Dynamo. He will miss three MLS games.

The forward has appeared in seven games for Houston this season, with two starts. He has one assist.

"It is always a delicate balance with national team duties. It is never easy," Dynamo general manager and vice president Matt Jordan said. "We want what is best for the Houston Dynamo. That is always priority No. 1, but at the same time we know that being part of the Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He is a big part of that team."

Corey Roepken is a freelance writer.