Tolkin signs as New Yorkās 22nd Homegrown Player in Franchise History
HARRISON, N.J. (January 14, 2020) ā The New York Red Bulls have signed Academy Product defender and New Jersey native John Tolkin to an MLS Homegrown contract, presented by Premio. Tolkin becomes the 22nd Homegrown Player in franchise history and the 25th academy product to sign with the First Team.
āJohn is regarded as a top young talent not just in our academy, but in the U.S. Youth National Team Pool as well,ā said Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. āWe are proud to have played a role in Johnās development so far, and happy to share this day with him and his family as he begins his professional career.ā
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Tolkin, 17, has been a part of the Red Bulls Academy since 2015. He has made 79 appearances during the Developmental Academy regular season and has recorded 15 goals. While in the Red Bulls Academy, the Chatham, New Jersey, native not only received call ups but has featured for the Under-17 U.S. Menās Youth National squad eight times.
āWeāre thrilled for John, his family, and our club,ā said Head Coach Chris Armas. āJohn stood out to us in preseason last year with his fearlessness, high soccer intelligence, and ability to play within our style. We saw that continue with NYRB II last season and weāre excited to continue working with him as he starts his professional career.ā
This past season, Tolkin played 13 times, starting in nine matches for New York Red Bulls II. He tallied 807 minutes played with three assists. Tolkin recorded his first professional point in his first professional game as NYRB II came back to win 4-3 on the road against Philadelphia Union II, formerly known as Bethlehem Steel, on July 10.
āIām very excited to sign my first pro contract,ā said Tolkin. āEvery academy kid dreams of this, and Iām happy itās here now. Iām ready to work hard and do everything for the club, I love the club and I canāt wait to get started.ā
Transaction: New York Red Bulls Sign John Tolkin to a Homegrown Contract on January 14, 2020.