TRANSFER TRACKER:Signing
Derrick Etienne Jr. has a new home in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer, with Columbus Crew SC announcing Tuesday that they’ve signed the midfielder, bringing their 2020 roster to 26 players. Etienne had been a preseason trialist for the Crew.
Etienne Jr., 23, will be entering his fifth MLS campaign, having spent the first four as a Homegrown Player for the New York Red Bulls. He spent the second half of the 2019 season on loan at FC Cincinnati, where he appeared in just five games (two starts) and didn’t have his purchase option exercised. Across his time with RBNY, Etienne Jr. made 60 appearances and supplied six goals and four assists before his contract option was declined.
At the international level, Etienne Jr. has earned 22 caps and scored three goals for Haiti since making his debut in 2016. He also played collegiately at the University of Virginia and has featured for USL Championship side New York Red Bulls II, helping them win the USL Cup in 2016.
Primarily a wide player, Etienne Jr. should provide the Crew with some valuable depth as they enter their second year under head coach Caleb Porter. Columbus will be seeking a return to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs after last year missing out for the first time since 2016. Their 2020 season begins March 1 at home against New York City FC.
