STWF Sports |FRISCO, Texas | July 27, 2026 — FC Dallas has strengthened its midfield by acquiring Clay Holstad on loan from USL Championship club Rhode Island FC through December 2026, the club announced Monday.

Why FC Dallas Believes in Clay Holstad’s Potential

The agreement also includes an option for FC Dallas to complete a permanent transfer following the loan period.

Holstad arrives in North Texas with extensive professional experience and a previous connection to FC Dallas head coach Eric Quill. The two worked together during Holstad’s youth career with Texans SC in Houston, giving the 26-year-old midfielder familiarity with Quill’s coaching style and expectations.

That relationship could help Holstad make a smoother transition as he joins Dallas during the second half of the Major League Soccer season. His size, durability and experience in multiple midfield roles provide Quill with another option as the club competes for positioning in the Western Conference.

Holstad became one of Rhode Island FC’s most dependable players during his time with the club. From 2024 through 2026, he made 96 appearances across all competitions, the most in club history, while contributing 10 goals and eight assists.

He made his Rhode Island debut against New Mexico United on March 16, 2024, and quickly established himself as an important part of the team’s foundation. During Rhode Island’s inaugural season, Holstad helped the club advance to the 2024 USL Championship Final against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

His ability to remain available and contribute consistently made him a fixture in Rhode Island’s lineup. Beyond his offensive production, Holstad offered a physical presence in midfield and valuable experience in high-pressure matches.

The 6-foot-2 midfielder began his professional career within the Columbus Crew organization after being selected with the 43rd overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.

Holstad signed with Columbus Crew 2 on March 23, 2023, and made his professional debut three days later against New York Red Bulls II. He went on to appear in 26 matches across all competitions and helped Crew 2 reach the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final.

That season gave Holstad his first exposure to a professional environment connected to an MLS first team. His performances with Columbus eventually helped him earn the opportunity to take on a larger role with Rhode Island in the USL Championship.

Before turning professional, Holstad developed at Texans SC and completed a five-year collegiate career at the University of Kentucky.

From 2018 through 2022, he made 85 appearances for the Wildcats, scoring five goals and recording seven assists. His college career concluded with a standout senior season in which he helped guide Kentucky to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament championship.

Holstad was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after leading Kentucky through its title run. He also earned a place on the Sun Belt All-Tournament Team and received All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team recognition.

His collegiate background and professional experience suggest he can contribute in several areas for Dallas. Holstad has shown the ability to cover ground, compete physically and provide support in both attacking and defensive phases.

For FC Dallas, the loan offers flexibility. The club can evaluate how Holstad fits within Quill’s system before deciding whether to exercise its option for a permanent move.

The familiarity between player and coach could prove especially valuable as Holstad adjusts to a new league and roster. Quill’s knowledge of the midfielder’s development and playing characteristics gives Dallas added insight into what he can offer.

Holstad joins FC Dallas as the club looks to build depth and maintain consistency during the closing months of the 2026 campaign. His track record of availability, leadership and postseason experience gives the team another proven option in the center of the field.

The Birmingham, Alabama, native will remain with FC Dallas through the end of December under the initial loan agreement. His performance during that period will determine whether the club moves forward with a permanent transfer.