The New York Red Bulls’ stable of Homegrown prospects continues to grow.
Academy products Derrick Etienne and Brandon Allen are the latest players to sign with the club, as the Red Bulls announced the signing of the Homegrown duo on Monday afternoon. With the additions of Etienne and Allen, the Red Bulls now feature the most Homegrown players in MLS with seven.
“We are pleased to add two high-caliber players to our roster,” said Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis. “After their accomplishments in the collegiate game, we are excited about the potential of both players to contribute at the professional level.
“It is a proud day any time we can add to the number of players representing our academy system with the first team,” Curtis added. “Their success thus far is a testament to what can be accomplished by a hardworking player in the Red Bulls’ developmental model.”
A University of Virginia player, Etienne joins the Red Bulls on the heels of a standout freshman campaign. The Haitian-American midfielder made 17 appearances for the Cavaliers, scoring two goals while adding an assist. Etienne’s signing comes following a stint with the club’s USL team, Red Bulls II, over the summer.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Etienne. “Being in the Academy for six years, being able to sign with the First Team, it’s a great feeling. Knowing some of the guys, I feel this is like finally getting the process going, it’s great.”
Allen, who was listed as the No. 12 prospect on the recent SBI MLS Draft Big Board, joins the Red Bulls following a four-year stint with Georgetown. In over 91 career appearances, Allen amassed 50 goals and 17 assists while earning All-American recognition on three occasions.
“I’m very excited,” said Allen. “I’ve waited a long time for this, all my life, but I enjoyed my college career and a lot of my success came from my teammates and my senior class was a big part of my success so I want to thank them. I’m very excited to get started here at the Red Bulls.”
What do you expect from Etienne and Allen? How will they fare in their pro careers?
Share your thoughts below.
I like it. Though I wouldn’t heap praise on any front office types or clubs for moves like this. After all,…the league has been in place for 20 years — que up Steve Martin,…rubbing his chin,..”wouldn’t it be great if we formed a youth team structure that would provide the club with a pipeline of talent that are trained to play in the club’s style,……naaaahhhhhh'”
Nevertheless,…Miazga, Davis, Allen and Etienne,…nice work. It has been a long time coming and hopefully this along with what other clubs (LA, KC) have done,…will be the death knell for the ridiculous draft process.
Red Bulls need to keep Miazga,…and go get Tim Ream to pair up with him in the back.
Jordan on RBNY and RJ on NYCFC….have had we brothers on opposing rival teams before in mls?