Stuart

Holden

A fast and tricky winger, Holden had a breakout year in 2007 with the Dynamo, scoring five goals and providing five assists to the team cause. He started regularly for the Dynamo as the team surpassed the competition en route to a second-consecutive MLS Cup title. Holden possesses the dual ability to either cut inside his man and unleash a shot, or break to the flank to whip in a cross.

• After two seasons at Clemson, he signed with Sunderland in the English Premier League in 2005 and joined the Dynamo in 2006.
• Scored a first-half goal against China in a 3-3 tie during a two-game tour of the Olympic host country in December 2007.
• Showed nerves of steel to convert a penalty kick during a shootout at the 2006 MLS Cup Final in his first season, helping Houston win the title in penalties.

U.S. National Team - 2007: Was called into his first Men's National Team camp in February 2008, leading up to the Feb. 6 game against Mexico ... Under-23s: Has been a part of five training camps with the U-23s in 2007 and 2008 ... Trained with team leading up to Japan trip in 2007, but did not play due to injury ... Traveled with team to China for two games against Chinese Olympic team in December ... Scored goal in 3-3 draw on December 16... Under-20s:  Made 11 appearances for the Under-20s ... Scored twice in international matches, against Brazil and Denmark.

Professional - 2007: Enjoyed a breakout year for the Dynamo making 22 appearances and scoring five goals ... Also added five assists while establishing himself as a big contributor in Houston's championship wining side ... Made four appearances in the playoffs ... 2006: In his rookie season in MLS he made 13 appearances for the Dynamo and scored one goal ... Scored his first ever MLS goal when he found the net against New England on July 22 ... Came on as a substitute in two playoff games, including the MLS Cup where he successfully converted a shootout penalty kick ... 2005: Signed with Sunderland (England) in 2005 after two college seasons ... Made no appearances for the first team before moving to MLS prior to the 2006 season.

College - Played two years at Clemson, and was a starter for both campaigns ... Clemson made the NCAA tournament both years that he was playing, and he achieved a personal mark when he was second-team All-ACC during his sophomore year ... left after the second season to sign with Sunderland in England.

Quick Facts

Grew up in Scotland and still visits frequently ... Favorite soccer team is Manchester United ... Has been to Old Trafford five times ... If not playing Soccer, would play poker ... Brother Euan plays Soccer at UConn, and sister Rachel runs track at Awty ... Favorite Soccer memory was making a penalty kick in the MLS Cup final ... Studied business management at Clemson ... Nicknamed "the chameleon" as his teammates say that he can easily adapt to his surroundings ... Enjoys visiting children's hospitals to give back to the community ... Playing Soccer since he could walk, since dad was a rugby player who always enjoyed soccer ... Talks with a Texas accent in Houston, but his Scottish accent comes back when he returns to his birthland.