Name
Omar HolnessHeight
6' 0"Weight
174 lbsDate of Birth
3.13.1994 (30)Birthplace
Kingston, JamaicaPosition
MidfielderPlayer Category
International, Generation adidasAlready a full Jamaican international, Holness is a powerful central midfielder. He’s capable of getting forward into the attack, but RSL see him primarily as a holding player, grooming him to playing the defensive midfielder position long dominated by longtime Claret-and-Cobalt veteran Kyle Beckerman.
Acquired
Selected in the first round (No. 5 overall) of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.
Professional Career
2016: In his first year as a professional Holness appeared in nine games playing 277 minutes, starting three times for RSL. He also logged two appearances with the Jamaican National Team, including one substitute cap in a World Cup Qualifier. In addition to his time with the first team, Holness also played eight matches with Real Monarchs in the USL. On his professional debut, he suffered a seizure on the field that resulted in a separated shoulder that sidelined for just over a month.
International
Formerly a regular member of the Jamaican Under-17 and Under-20 squads, Holness received his first call and made his first appearance with Jamaica’s senior national team in 2014. He was a late addition to the country’s 2015 Gold Cup roster, joining the Reggae Boyz for the knockout rounds of the tournament.
College
Spent three seasons at the University of North Carolina, scoring four goals and registering 11 assists in 59 appearances with the Tar Heels. He earned first-team All-ACC honors in his sophomore year in 2014.