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Red Bulls’ Youngsters Draw Praise after CCL Victory

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 08/04/16, 11:32AM EDT

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Etienne Jr. makes first team debut in 3-0 victory against Antigua GFC on Wednesday night


Photo courtesy New York Red Bulls

HARRISON, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls got their CONCACAF Champions League campaign underway with a 3-0 victory against Antigua GFC on Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena as players who’ve featured prominently in the USL this season got their chance to impress the fans.

Leading the way was Alex Muyl, who scored the second goal of the night after hitting the crossbar twice previously in the contest, but the night was a particularly special one for Derrick Etienne Jr., who came on as a second-half substitute to make his Red Bulls debut after earlier in the day being named No. 3 in the USL 20 Under 20 series.

In all, five Red Bulls Homegrown signings saw action, with Tyler Davis and Sean Davis both starting, and Connor Lade coming off the bench. Goalkeeper Ryan Meara, who has posted a 0.92 goals-against average this season in his 15 appearances for the Red Bulls II, also starred with a pair of big early saves that helped keep New York on top against its Guatemalan opponent.

The performances of the likes of Adams and Davis, who chipped in an assist, drew praise from the veterans in the Red Bulls lineup.

“Young guys like Tyler [Adams] and Derrick [Etienne], they're still in their teens,” Red Bulls defender Chris Duvall told reporters after the game. “It's amazing that they're able to do what they do and go out there and, not just play with us, but to actually contribute and play well. The future is bright.” 

The 17-year-old Adams – who on Monday was named the No. 5 player in the USL 20 Under 20 series – and Davis – who had two goals and an assist in his five appearances for the Red Bulls II this season before getting his chance with the MLS squad – the hard work they have put in after graduating from the club’s definitely appears to be paying off.

“All of us have worked really hard,” Davis said after Wednesday's match. “We've all come from the academy, we know what it takes to succeed at this club. For it all to come together like that is really special and something that we'll always remember.”

With the Red Bulls II providing the platform for success, the club’s young players are now in position to make nights like Wednesday the norm, not just a one-off.

“[It’s] another proud moment for our club, I think, to call on our Homegrown Players and some of our young guys and have them step up in a very meaningful game,” said Red Bulls Coach Jesse Marsch. 

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