The New York Red Bulls were well represented during the Chipotle Homegrown Game on Wednesday night, as both Tyler Adams and Derrick Etienne Jr. took on the Mexican U-20 National Team in San Jose.
Both entering as second half substitutes, Adams and Etienne Jr. had strong outings in what was an enjoyable experience for the duo.
“It was a really good experience going out with some of the best young players in the league that have represented their academies and made it to the next level,” Adams said after the match. “It felt good to try and gel with these guys. Obviously we didn’t have a lot of time to practice together so that makes it harder, but it feels good to be around these young guys.”
Despite dropping a 2-0 result, the chance to play alongside some of the league’s brightest young stars gave both players invaluable experience to draw upon as their careers develop.
Not only did they share the pitch with top players, but both Adams and Etienne Jr. had the chance to receive direction from one of the greatest players to ever put on a United States jersey, as Landon Donovan manned the sidelines for the Homegrown team.
“It was great. He’s a U.S. legend and one that plays in my position, so I’ve been trying to learn some things from him these past few days,” Etienne Jr. said. “It was special.”
His glowing remarks should come as no surprise to New York head coach Jesse Marsch, who spoke glowingly about his two Homegrown selections as well as the chance to learn from Donovan’s wealth of experience.
“We were kind of urging Landon to take those two guys,” Marsch admitted. “To have that experience of going to the Homegrown game, being part of that team amongst their peers, and being coached by Landon will be great. Landon’s a good guy that all of these kids looked up to for so many years. His way of imparting some of his experience and his wisdom upon these younger guys, it’s a great thing for the league to have done this.”
Despite both players seeing limited action with the first team thus far, Adams and Etienne Jr. have played integral roles at the USL level with New York Red Bulls II. Standing as one of the top teams in the league, both youngsters look forward to what the second half of the season has in store.
“Day in and day out, I’m getting opportunities to play and that’s what really matters at the end of the day,” Adams added. “Our USL team has great depth; we’re a great team. I really think we can compete for a championship.”
Etienne Jr. echoed a similar sentiment: “Getting playing time to stay sharp and continue my development has been huge, especially since Red Bulls II has the same playing style as the first team. We’ve been lucky to get some good results this season, so we’re pushing for a championship.”
As the Red Bulls continue to battle in the ultra-tight Eastern Conference, the depth of the squad will surely be tested, and the Homegrown duo insist they will be ready to contribute when called upon.
“We’re still competing for a top spot in the Eastern Conference and ultimately we want to win an MLS Cup,” Adams said. “Any time that I can get on the field—we’ve got CONCACAF Champions League coming up—I’d love to be playing.”
Added Etienne Jr.: “We’re a deep team and we have a lot of games coming up. They’re all very important, we take everything seriously, so I’m just waiting for my number to be called to go in there and get the job done.
“I’m going to keep pushing, hopefully make my first team debut. But whether it’s MLS or USL, I always want to step up, make some plays and help the team.”
