In Real Salt Lake’s preseason match against the Portland Timbers on Thursday, a ball popped free at the edge of the 18-yard box and three players all converged on it. Omar Holness, Jose Hernandez and Ricardo Velazco all had eyes on erasing RSL’s deficit, but as if deterred by magnets, Hernandez and Velazco deferred to Holness. With a confidence spurred by his recent appearance with the Jamaican National Team in a friendly against the U.S., Holness uncoiled on a rocket shot that hit the net to equalize in the 3-3 draw.
It was a key moment in the match and came on the heels of a big moment in Holness’ career.