Derrick Etienne Jr. Bio
Derrick Burckley Etienne Jr. (born 25 November 1996) is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for Major League Soccer club Toronto FC. Born in the United States, he represents the Haiti national team in international competitions. Derrick Etienne Jr. has established himself as a skilled player known for his speed and agility on the field, contributing significantly to his teams throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Derrick Etienne Jr. was born in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. He is the son of former Haitian international and Long Island Rough Riders forward Derrick Etienne Sr. He has a younger brother, Danielle Etienne, who is also a professional footballer representing Haiti. Derrick’s early exposure to soccer came from his father, who played for the Richmond Kickers, which likely influenced his passion for the sport. Etienne attended Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, New Jersey, where he played varsity soccer during his freshman year, achieving impressive statistics with six goals and nine assists. His performance helped lead the team to the state Vo-Tech tournament and the Big North Conference Liberty division titles.
Path to Soccer
Derrick Etienne Jr. began his youth career with the New York Red Bulls Academy, joining at the U-14 level in 2009. He progressed through the ranks, showcasing his talent at the U14, U15, U16, and U18 levels. His standout performances earned him a letter of intent to play college soccer at the University of Virginia. Despite his commitments to the academy, he maintained his college eligibility and made his collegiate debut on 29 August 2015, scoring his first goal shortly thereafter against Virginia Commonwealth University. However, he opted to forgo completing his degree to pursue a professional career.
Derrick Etienne Jr. Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Derrick Etienne Jr. made his professional debut for the New York Red Bulls II in a match against the Rochester Rhinos on 28 March 2015. He quickly made an impact, scoring his first professional goal on 24 May 2015, contributing to a 3–2 victory over FC Montreal. His performance earned him a spot on the USL Team of the Week. On 21 December 2015, he signed a Homegrown Contract with the New York Red Bulls, solidifying his transition to the Major League Soccer (MLS) level. He continued to excel, scoring multiple goals and assisting in key matches during his time with the team.
Breakthrough (2017–2019)
Derrick Etienne Jr. achieved significant milestones with the New York Red Bulls, including scoring his first goal for the first team on 31 March 2018 in a match against Orlando City SC. He played a crucial role in the team’s success, scoring the game-winning goal that clinched the Supporters Shield in 2018. In August 2019, he was loaned to FC Cincinnati for the remainder of the season, although he did not score during his time there. Following the 2019 season, he was released by the New York Red Bulls.
Notable Works and Milestones
After leaving the New York Red Bulls, Derrick Etienne Jr. joined Columbus Crew on 4 February 2020. He made an immediate impact, scoring in the MLS Cup 2020, helping the team secure their second league championship. His tenure with Columbus Crew lasted until October 2022, when he was released and subsequently signed by Atlanta United FC.
Derrick Etienne Jr. Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Derrick Etienne Jr. has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his time with the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew. His contributions on the field have made him a notable player in Major League Soccer.
Derrick Etienne Jr. Awards Won
Derrick Etienne Jr. has been part of teams that have won significant titles, including the MLS Cup with Columbus Crew in 2020. His individual performances have also earned him accolades, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
Derrick Etienne Jr. Family
Derrick Etienne Jr. comes from a family with a strong soccer background. His father, Derrick Etienne Sr., played professionally, and his brother, Danielle Etienne, is also a professional footballer. This familial connection to the sport has undoubtedly influenced Derrick’s career choices and aspirations.
Personal Life
Details about Derrick Etienne Jr.’s personal life are limited, as he tends to keep his private life away from the public eye. However, his commitment to soccer and his family’s legacy in the sport remain significant aspects of his identity.