Borussia Monchengladbach is looking to get back into the race for European qualification in the upcoming season and American defender Joe Scally could earn himself a role in that race.

Scally joined Gladbach in January from MLS club New York City FC and has earned the opportunity to take part in training camp with the senior team this summer. The NYCFC academy product played in a 2-2 friendly draw for Adi Hutter’s side against Viktoria Koln.

“Joe has been able to fit in quickly at Borussia,” said Gladbach Academy Director Roland Virkus. “He’s really gone from zero to 100. I have never seen a young player that goes into challenges as hard as he does, while not being nasty.

“He’s very aggressive, athletic and in great shape,” Virkus said. “He’s also a strong player. He made his debut for the U-23s when the team was going through a tough time and impressed over time.”

The 18-year-old totaled 128 minutes during his time with NYCFC’s first team, but he quickly established himself at Gladbach, earning regular playing time with the U-23 team. Scally scored one goal in 15 appearances, finishing with over 1,200 minutes playing in the German third division.

After earning several opportunities with the under-23 side in the second half of last season, Scally’s next target will be to try and break through and earn a place with the first team. Austrian fullback Stefan Lainer is the team’s starter at right back and is coming off a strong Euro 2020, but if the club winds up selling Swiss fullback Michael Long, which is a possibility, then Scally could potentially move that much closer to a place with the firs team.

Scally has earned an early opportunity under Hutter during preseason camp and will now look to continue moving forward as friendly matches ramp up.

“As a kid, everyone dreams of playing football in Europe, in one of the top five leagues. Being able to play in Germany is a dream and I couldn’t be happier about it. I’m very glad to be here and take on this new challenge,” Scally said in January after arriving in Germany.

Gladbach kicks off its Bundesliga schedule on Aug. 13 at home against defending champion Bayern Munich.