Jamaica international Omar Holness (pictured) was Real Salt Lake's first choice in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. (Photo: Mexsport)
BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Jamaica international Omar Holness was chosen by 2015-16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinalist Real Salt Lake in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Thursday at the Baltimore Convention Center.
The 21-year-old midfielder, a standout at the University of North Carolina, was taken as the fifth overall pick.
"Candidly, Holness was the guy we wanted, point-blank, and we got him," said RSL general manager Craig Waibel. "With his youth and size and structure, we think he fits into the physicality of MLS. We'll be working really heavily with him in the preseason to jumpstart his understanding of the program."
Holness revealed that his game is modeled after Real's holding midfielder Kyle Beckerman, a long-time United States international, but acknowledged that there will be challenges associated with becoming a professional.
"I know this transition won't be easy, but at the same time, nothing in life is easy," he expressed. "It's an absolutely amazing feeling. I'm just ecstatic. I'm at a loss for words. I'm so excited to be a part of such an amazing organization and such an amazing franchise.
“I believe that Real Salt Lake will develop my future and I will be there to win some championships for RSL."
During three seasons at UNC, the native of Kingston, Jamaica, scored five goals and assisted on 11 others in 59 games.
Holness made his full international debut for Jamaica in a 3-1 loss at Canada on September 9, 2014, and was on its roster for a run to the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, but did not see any action.
He captained the Reggae Boyz at the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup after leading them to a fourth-place finish at the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship earlier that same year.
At the 2013 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, Holness netted one goal in three games.
