FRISCO - FC Dallas wrapped up the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by selecting Oregon State midfielder Will Seymore in the third round and former Canadian U-20 international Jaineil Hoilett in the fourth. While sometimes later round draft picks can be overlooked, this pair began FC Dallas preseason training camp last weekend eager to show what they can do.
“[Being drafted] is huge,” Seymore said. "It’s a big opportunity and a testament for how hard we have worked. I feel like I can speak for all the rookies; we are grateful for FC Dallas to give us this opportunity to become professional soccer players.”
Last Friday both rookies began working with FC Dallas in hope of earning a roster spot and with an extensive preseason schedule lined up, everyone will get the opportunity to show what they're worth. FCD will play six preseason games between now and the club's March 7 season opener.
“My first goal is to make the roster,” Hoilett said. “Then I’ll see how I can best fit in.”
Seymore realizes it will be hard to earn a place on FC Dallas’ roster, but both rookies know what they must do to play for the club this season.
“When we were at the combine, the players union kind of told us what it would be like being a rookie,” Seymore said. ”But it’s just little things you can pick up on by watching the veterans. So it just boils down to watching the older players and learning from them.”
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As could be expected, FC Dallas has been welcoming to the rookies and is giving them every opportunity to demonstrate their talents.
“They are all really great. This is just a great environment,” Seymore said. “The guys were really friendly, and that just fosters a better atmosphere for training. I’m just trying to be an asset for the team, whether it is helping train players or actually getting minutes. I just want to make the roster first so I can help the team.”
