Dynamo draft pick Joe Holland excited for first team chance

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After spending a week in Los Angeles at the MLS Combine Joe Holland flew back to his apartment on Long Island to watch the MLS SuperDraft unfold all by himself.

Holland, an attacking midfielder out of Hofstra University, did not know what to expect so he wanted to be able to concentrate and take it all in. Luckily, he did not have to wait long.

The Dynamo picked Holland 10th overall, blowing away anything Holland could have expected.

"I just kind of sunk to my knees in my room," Holland said. "It was the most surreal moment of my life."

Now his life will move to Houston where the Dynamo hope his attacking mind and dangerous free kick can help the first team sooner than later.

Holland, a native of England who will require an international roster spot in MLS, was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association first team in his final three seasons at Hofstra. He scored 19 goals and had 28 assists in 79 career games.

He was not a big name heading into the combine but impressed many by making some plays in the middle of the park in the attacking half.

The Dynamo selected midfielder Joe Holland with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He played four seasons at Hofstra University. The Dynamo selected midfielder Joe Holland with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He played four seasons at Hofstra University. Photo: Hofstra Athletic Communications Photo: Hofstra Athletic Communications Image 1 of / 3 Caption Close Dynamo draft pick Joe Holland excited for first team chance 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

"He is a fantastic player," Dynamo coach Wilmer Cabrera said. "He is right-footed but can play left or right. He is very hungry. We are very comfortable with him because of the talent he can bring to the field and his mentality...We're bringing in a player who is ready."

Holland said he was impressed by the Dynamo during his interview following the second game at the combine. He said the technical staff asked him detailed questions and cared about his personality.

"Those 1-on-1 meetings are critical," Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan said. "A lot of times you don't even talk about soccer."

Soccer will be in the forefront of Holland's mind next week when he comes to Houston to begin preseason training. It is rare for an MLS SuperDraft pick to contribute to the first team right away, but Holland may have a leg up in that area because his position is the one the Dynamo have yet to address during their busy offseason.

Holland said he is determined to make an impact.

"What they can expect is someone who is going to work incredibly hard," Holland said. "When I commit to a program I do it 100 percent."