Dynamo rookie Joe Holland impresses in preseason

Recommended Video:

The task was big enough for the coaching staff to give Joe Holland some leeway if he did not fare well right away. The Dynamo rookie didn't need it.

During three preseason matches, Holland appeared to have what it takes to compete in MLS.

Nobody is promising greatness or even a starting spot right away, but based on the way coach Wilmer Cabrera and general manager Matt Jordan spoke about Holland Monday it would be a surprise if the Dynamo do not sign him to a contract by Wednesday's MLS roster compliance deadline.

Before the Arizona preseason trip Holland, an attacking midfielder, said he had been dreaming his entire soccer career of playing against professional players.

Picked No. 10 overall in January's MLS SuperDraft, Holland played 45 minutes against the New England Revolution, 90 minutes against the New York Red Bulls II and 78 more in a closed-door scrimmage against Colorado Rapids reserves.

He said he felt confident before he even took the pitch, adding that the coaching staff did a top-notch job of preparing him physically and mentally.

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 rookie Joe Holland impresses in preseason 1 / 3 Back to Gallery

"It was what I expected in terms of the quality and how tight the defenders were to me and the speed of the game," Holland said. "The first game against New England, they moved the ball well in the midfield. At times I was having to chase 10 yards left, 10 yards right, 10 yards forward and then 10 yards back. You realize how quick the game really is at the highest level."

Though the Dynamo had the No. 4 overall pick in the SuperDraft and could have taken Generation Adidas Player Jackson Yueill to play the same position as Holland, they were confident enough in Holland to trade down.

They even made sure they acquired an extra international roster spot in the transaction so they could sign Holland, who is British.

Holland impressed during the MLS combine and again in interviews with the Dynamo. Houston likes that he can use both feet and has a good attacking mind. Jordan said Holland is a good profile for the league and that he fits the Dynamo's style of play.

Cabrera said Holland has played as well as can be expected.

"It is a big transition from college to MLS," Cabrera said. "It is not easy, but he has a good mentality. He is a very talented player. It is confirming what we saw in the combine could be translated to the professional level."