CARSON, Calif. – LA Galaxy Academy alum and UCLA defender Javan Torre is continuing to develop as a center back and he may get the opportunity of a lifetime as a member of the U.S. Under-20 side at the 2013 U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
Following a successful freshman season that saw him play in 12 matches for the Bruins, Torre made three appearances for the U.S. U-20’s during the U-20 CONCACAF Championship in March. Several weeks later, Torre was one of the Galaxy’s standouts during their participation in the Gordon Jago Super Group at the Dallas Cup youth tournament in March.
As Torre continues to progress as a center back, he admits that the Dallas Cup was vital for his progression.
“I was able to get games in and played at a high level against professionals, who take every day very seriously,” Torre told LA Galaxy Insider. “When we compete against them, it makes us better.”
Following a successful camp with the U.S. U-20’s that included appearances in a scrimmage against Cal FC as well as an intrasquad scrimmage last week, Torre is hopeful that he has done enough to preserve his spot on the team.
Although he’ll have plenty of competition including former Galaxy Academy teammate Jeffrey Payeras, Torre believes that he’ll be in the mix for a ticket to the World Cup.
“This was just a camp like any other even if there are more players that I’m competing with. I just have to come out and try to play my game,” Torre said. “I think I’ve done pretty well. I could do a little bit better with my fitness, but it’s not bad.”
