Mike Holody should be enjoying the sunshine down in California just that little bit more this week.
The new 23-year-old Colorado Rapids defender finally put pen to paper this week as the MLS Cup champions jetted off to Santa Barbara for another leg of their preseason preparations. His signature put an end to what has been an uncertain six-month journey for the former University of Michigan player.
Rapids head coach Gary Smith is not one who typically re-signs players he has already shown the door. But Holody is different: a tall and physically imposing central defender who the coaching staff always liked and never wanted to waive.
Holody was originally drafted by the Rapids in 2009, but Smith had to make some roster room with the crucial signings of Macoumba Kandji and Brian Mullan last September.
Holody was the salary cap fall guy.
The Michigan native hung around the club at Smith’s invitation, even though he was no longer officially on the roster. He was invited back for this preseason, fought for his place and is now back, officially.
“Last year was tough all around,” Holody told MLSsoccer.com before the Rapids left for California. “There were lots of ups and downs for me. But now I am excited to be back and have a chance to be part of the team.”
With the reality of additional games upcoming in the CONCACAF Champions League and the re-introduction of the reserve league, it’s a good year for Holody to make his mark.
“There should be more games,” he said. “The reserve games are one thing. The Open Cup and CONCACAF games should be starting at some point. Even if I don’t get involved all that much in the league games, there’s still going to be more tired legs and there may be some opportunity for guys to get in there who may not have had those chances last year.”
Holody faces a mighty task to try and dislodge the chosen central back partnership of Drew Moor and Marvell Wynne. But that may not really be his aim. While he likes playing in the middle the most, he can also play out wide.
Wherever and whenever he does get his opportunity, the Wolverines’ all-time leader in minutes played will be ready.
“He was in the mix with two or three other guys this preseason but it was very obvious he was in front of those guys,” Smith told MLSsoccer.com. “It's going to be a big year for him. This is the year for Mike if he can show what he is all about. If he can break through into that first team football, then he’s got a chance.”
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