Real Salt Lake midfielder Omar Holness suffered a seizure while playing for Real Monarchs SLC in the USL on Saturday night, collapsing on the field in the 33rd minute of their 1-0 win over Saint Louis FC at Rio Tinto Stadium before being taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
The fifth overall pick in January's SuperDraft, Holness was released from the hospital later on Saturday night, and on Monday returned to Rio Tinto Stadium to begin treatment for a separated shoulder suffered during his seizure.
The club doesn’t yet definitively know how the seizure will affect Holness’ long-term playing prospects, but a club spokesman told MLSsoccer.com on Monday that the team is optimistic that he’ll eventually be able to return to the field. The spokesman confirmed that Holness had never before suffered a seizure prior to Saturday. RSL is expecting further updates on the matter from doctors on Monday, and will release more information as it becomes available.
The spokesman also told MLSsoccer.com that Holness' shoulder injury typically involves a 6-8 week recovery.
Holness, who was making his pro debut on Saturday, issued the following statement to RSL.com on Monday from Rio Tinto Stadium:
“I’m just happy to be back at the stadium with a great group of guys,” he said. “Obviously, my debut never turned out the way I hoped, but I’m just grateful to be alive and I thank God for that fact. The first thing I asked was whether or not we had won the game. When coach [Jeff] Cassar told me that Mikey [Orellana] had the game-winner, I was ecstatic. That was definitely a happy ending.
“I have a lot of people to say thank you to. First to the guys on the field and to the St. Louis players as well – thank you. The way you guys reacted was just remarkable. We have so much to be thankful for. My RSL teammates and my Monarchs teammates – thank you very much. I’m happy that I have such a great group of guys around me to be there and support me. To the medical staff, from the guys at the stadium to the guys at the hospital – thank you for your support and looking after me. To the fans – thank you for all of your support and messages. You really warmed my heart. Just know that I’ll be back soon.”
