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Over the course of 90 minutes before a sparse crowd at Rio Tinto Stadium last October, Elder Torres changed the outlook of his future.

The 21-year-old Honduran midfielder played a key role his team's shocking win over the U.S. men's national team's U-23s during CONCACAF Olympic qualifying in Sandy. A heavy underdog against its American host, Honduras stunned the U.S. 2-0 in the semifinals of qualifying for the Rio de Janeiro Games.

Seated in the stands was Real Monarchs coach Freddy Juarez and other members of the Real Salt Lake technical staff. In Torres they saw a highly-versatile player who could sprint up and down the wings as a left back, but also move into the middle of the field and settle things when the moment needed settling.

Five months after that, RSL acquired Torres on loan from his Honduran club CD Social Vida, and less than a year later, Torres is riding that performance in Sandy all the way to Rio de Janeiro. Last week, the Monarchs midfielder was named to the Honduras 23-man roster for the upcoming Olympic Games in Brazil.

"It is unique — you have an Olympian at training," Juarez said. "Guys see it, and it adds a little bit to the training, adds a little bit of motivation for others. It's neat for him, it's neat for the team, it's neat for the club."

Initially scouted for that left back role he's often featured in with the Honduran U-23s, Torres was moved to the middle by Juarez and his staff this season. In 12 appearances with the Monarchs, Torres has a goal and an assist. He scored the game-winner at Colorado Springs on June 26. Most recently, he tallied an assist in the Monarchs' 3-2 come-from-behind win at rival Sacramento Republic on July 6.

"He fills the mold of a technical player, what we like here at RSL," Juarez said. "Someone who first and foremost is comfortable on the ball, who has a high IQ on the ball and off the ball with a good understanding of the game."

It took the young Honduran time to acclimate to his new club.

Torres joined up with the Monarchs during their preseason trek to Costa Rica, and according to Juarez, quickly integrated himself into the group. He was embraced by his teammates, which alleviated the awkward introduction stage players encounter when joining a new club in a new country. But once the Monarchs boarded a flight back to Salt Lake City, Torres returned to Honduras waiting for his international paperwork to become final. That took a month.

Once he arrived in Utah, it took him a few weeks to shed the weight he'd gained while waiting to come to the U.S. Torres needed to find his touch and rhythm in this new environment, which he eventually did. Over the last few months, Juarez and the staff knew the Olympics were a possibility for Torres. Honduras head coach Jorge Luis Pinto spoke glowingly of Torres, Juarez said, so ensuring Torres' inclusion for Rio was just a matter of health and minutes.

Honduras went on to finish second in Olympic qualifying last October, losing to Mexico in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying final at Rio Tinto. The loss to Honduras dropped the Americans into a two-leg playoff against Colombia, which they eventually lost. For the second straight Olympics, the U.S. won't be represented.

Honduras, on the other hand, has now qualified in three of the last four Olympics. In the 2012 Games in London, the team reached the quarterfinals. This time, the task will be mightier. Honduras faces Algeria (Aug. 4), Portugal (Aug. 7) and Argentina (Aug. 10) in group play.

"This has always been a dream to me," Torres told RSL.com prior to departing for the pre-Olympic camp. "I will always pray to go to have the opportunity do what I'm doing right now. It's amazing that not only for me but also for my family and the things I can do for them. This is not the end. I want more and I want to keep growing as a player." 

This next step will be followed closely by his teammates and coaches. Juarez said the Monarchs will do their best build their schedule around Honduras' Olympic kickoff times, so Torres' teammates and coaches can watch. Meanwhile, Torres continues to keep everyone in Utah in the loop by constantly sending photos of where he's at. Soon enough, he'll be in The Maracanã, the day before the opening ceremonies, to play Algeria with the world watching.

"I think it'll be important to support him," Juarez said.

Twitter: @chriskamrani —

About Elder Torres

Age » 21

Sport » Men's soccer

Country » Honduras

Hometown » La Ceiba, Honduras

Professional career » CD Social Vida (Honduras), Real Monarchs (on loan). Has one goal and two assists in 12 appearances for the Monarchs in 2016

International career » Helped Honduras finish second in CONCACAF Olympic qualifying, beating the U.S. 2-0 in the semifinals last October at Rio Tinto Stadium to punch a return ticket to the Olympics.

Honduras in Rio » Algeria (Aug. 4), Portugal (Aug. 7) and Argentina (Aug. 10)