From Benchwarmer to Bedazzling: How Derrick Etienne Jr. Turned Toronto FC’s Midfield Into His Personal Dance Floor (and Scored More Drama Than Goals)!
Derrick Etienne Jr. rocks the number 11 shirt for Toronto FC, bringing a burst of pace and a creative spark to the midfield. He came up through the University of Virginia, sharpening his game in MLS and even taking his talents abroad before landing in Toronto.
Honestly, you get a player with experience, versatility, and that international edge with Haiti—he gives Toronto FC a steady option, whether it’s out wide or more central.
He steps into a roster that needed more attacking punch, and his move from Atlanta United signals Toronto’s ongoing push to reshape its identity.
Etienne stands 5’10”, weighs in at 170 pounds, and uses his right foot to drive play, stretch defenses, and create those transition chances. His job’s pretty straightforward, and you already see his impact in how Toronto moves the ball up top.
You trace his journey from Richmond, Virginia, through MLS stops, to the Haitian national team. Every stage adds something new to his profile, and with each match, you get a better sense of why Toronto wanted him.
The next question? Can his consistency and vision turn into real results for a club itching to get back into playoff form?
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Derrick Etienne Jr. at Toronto FC
Derrick Etienne Jr. brings Toronto FC a solid blend of MLS experience and international know-how. He’s won trophies, bounced between clubs, and now steps into a spot where his speed and flexibility can actually change things.
Arrival and Transfer Details
Toronto FC picked up Etienne from Atlanta United in April 2024. The club paid $200,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM), with another $175,000 possible if he hits certain performance marks.
That deal kind of sums up how MLS clubs juggle risk and reward when building squads.
He arrived after two seasons in Atlanta, where he made 27 appearances. Before that, he spent three years with Columbus Crew, including a goal in the 2020 MLS Cup Final.
His resume? It’s got a Supporters’ Shield with the New York Red Bulls, too.
Etienne signed his first pro contract as a Homegrown player with New York in 2015. Since then, he’s moved through four Eastern Conference clubs, picking up different experiences and adapting to new locker rooms.
Toronto clearly valued that background when they made the trade.
Here’s the big thing: Toronto didn’t overspend for a proven MLS guy. The GAM structure lets them keep the salary budget in check while still adding someone with depth and experience.
Want more? Check out the trade details.
Role and Position as #11
Etienne wears No. 11 at Toronto FC, a number that usually goes to wide attackers. He lines up mostly as a left winger, but he can flip to the right or drift inside, depending on what the system calls for.
His job is to stretch defenses, create space, and swing in crosses. At 5’10” and 170 pounds, he’s got the size to hold off defenders and still has the burst to get away in transition.
Toronto uses him to keep the attack balanced. If the forwards drop deep, he pushes high and becomes the outlet. If the team needs help defensively, he tracks back and covers the fullback.
That kind of flexibility is exactly why he keeps getting minutes.
His experience with Haiti’s national team also shapes how he plays. He brings a calmness in high-pressure matches, which helps when Toronto faces tough Eastern Conference rivals.
His positional sense? It makes him more than just a winger glued to the sideline.
Performance and Key Contributions
Etienne’s early games with Toronto showed glimpses of how he can influence things. He’s not a big scorer, but you see him contribute with smart runs, pressing, and setting up secondary assists.
He proved at Columbus that he can deliver in big moments—scoring in a championship final is no small feat.
Here’s a quick look at his MLS career numbers through 2024:
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York Red Bulls | 2016–2019 | 79 | 6 | 4 |
| FC Cincinnati | 2019 (loan) | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Columbus Crew | 2020–2022 | 90 | 12 | 14 |
| Atlanta United | 2023–2024 | 27 | 0 | 2 |
| Toronto FC | 2024– | Ongoing | — | — |
You notice he’s more of a creator than a finisher. That fits Toronto’s needs, where the main scoring usually comes from the striker or attacking mid.
He played college ball at the University of Virginia, a school known for turning out technical, disciplined players. You can see that in how he makes decisions and adapts to whatever tactics the coach throws at him.
For Toronto FC, his value is in his steady presence. He won’t always light up the stat sheet, but his work rate, spacing, and ability to link play give the team a bit of stability on the wing.
You can expect him to keep playing a steady role as the season goes on.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Derrick Etienne Jr. built his reputation with championship wins, big goals, and steady contributions at several MLS clubs.
After developing at the University of Virginia, he played key roles in trophy-winning seasons and delivered in pressure-packed matches.
MLS Cup and Campeones Cup Wins
Etienne’s time with Columbus Crew stands out as the highlight of his career. In 2020, he scored in the MLS Cup Final against Seattle Sounders, helping Columbus clinch a 3-0 win.
That goal isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a huge piece of the club’s second league title.
He made an impact in international competition, too. In 2021, he started the Campeones Cup match, where Columbus beat Cruz Azul 2-0.
Facing Liga MX’s champs, Etienne stepped up and showed he could handle the big stage.
These championships prove he can deliver when it matters most. He might not have been the star, but his presence in both finals really shows his value as a dependable contributor when the pressure’s on.
Supporters’ Shield and Eastern Conference Success
Earlier on, Etienne helped the New York Red Bulls take home the 2018 Supporters’ Shield, given to the MLS team with the best regular season record.
That year, he played 30 matches, scored five times, and chipped in an assist. His contributions gave the squad depth as they finished on top of the Eastern Conference.
That season really turned things around for him. New York leaned on reliable role players, and Etienne delivered goals in clutch moments—like that late-season strike against Orlando City that sealed the Shield.
By the time he joined Columbus Crew, he had already shown he could help winning teams. His experience in big Eastern Conference games carried over, making him a steady option for coaches who want versatility out wide.
2018 Season Snapshot (New York Red Bulls):
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Regular Season | 30 | 5 | 1 |
| MLS Playoffs | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Notable Matches and Goals
The moments you remember Etienne for? Those pressure situations where he stepped up.
In 2018, he scored his first MLS goal against Orlando City, then later hit the game-winner that clinched the Supporters’ Shield for New York.
With Columbus in 2022, he hit career highs with 9 goals and 6 assists in league play. One game against Chicago Fire stands out—he scored twice off the bench, his first multi-goal game in MLS.
He’s also shown a knack for scoring early, with quick goals against Orlando and D.C. United.
These performances built his rep as a winger who can change a game’s rhythm with speed and finishing.
In Toronto, his job shifted more to providing width and service, but those earlier career highlights are still the best proof of his impact in MLS.
You see a guy who reliably stepped up when his teams needed him most, whether it was in finals, playoff pushes, or rivalry games.
Previous Clubs and Development
You can follow Derrick Etienne Jr.’s career through three key stops in MLS. Each one shows how he’s grown, from a young homegrown signing to a seasoned winger with playoff and championship experience.
New York Red Bulls and Homegrown Player Status
Etienne joined the New York Red Bulls in 2015 as a homegrown player after coming up through their academy. He also played college soccer at the University of Virginia for a season before turning pro.
He made his first MLS start in 2017 against the Colorado Rapids. That year, he picked up two assists and got valuable minutes in both league and cup games.
The next season was his real breakout. Etienne played in 30 matches, scored five goals, and added an assist.
The biggest moment? He scored the game-winner against Orlando City to help New York clinch the 2018 Supporters’ Shield.
He also spent time with New York Red Bulls II in the USL Championship, logging 52 appearances, 13 goals, and five assists.
That extra playing time helped him adjust to the physical side of pro soccer.
Key Stats with New York Red Bulls (2016–2019):
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 76 | 8 | 4 |
| USL (NYRB II) | 52 | 13 | 5 |
Columbus Crew Tenure
Etienne moved to the Columbus Crew for the 2020 season. He quickly became a reliable winger, contributing in both the regular season and the playoffs.
In the 2020 MLS Cup Final, he scored a crucial goal as Columbus beat the Seattle Sounders. That performance locked in his place in club history.
His best year statistically came in 2022. He set career highs in games played (33), starts (25), goals (9), and assists (6).
That season really showed he could produce consistently over the long haul.
He also started in the 2021 Campeones Cup, a 2-0 win over Cruz Azul. The way he improved year after year reflected his growth into a mature attacking player.
Key Stats with Columbus Crew (2020–2022):
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 21 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 29 | 1 | 5 |
| 2022 | 33 | 9 | 6 |
Atlanta United FC and the 5-Stripes
After a solid run in Columbus, Etienne signed with Atlanta United FC in late 2022. The club, the 5-Stripes, brought him in as a free agent on a multi-year deal.
His time in Atlanta didn’t last long, but you could still call it notable. He made regular appearances in 2023, adding depth and attacking options on the left wing.
Atlanta saw value in his reputation as a proven MLS winger, and teams across the league noticed it too.
In December 2023, Atlanta traded him to Toronto FC for up to $375,000 in General Allocation Money. The deal guaranteed $200,000, with the rest based on performance incentives.
That move really highlights the business side of MLS—experienced players like Etienne often move between clubs. It’s a sign that multiple teams trust him to bring pace and creativity to the attack.
Key Transaction: Atlanta United picked up Etienne in November 2022, then sent him to Toronto FC in December 2023.
International Career with Haiti
Here’s a player who grew up in the United States but chose Haiti, keeping a family tradition alive. His role with the Haiti national team includes appearances in major regional tournaments, goals in important matches, and steady work at both youth and senior levels.
Haiti National Team Appearances
Look at Derrick Etienne Jr.’s senior international career and you’ll see consistency. He debuted for Haiti in November 2016 during Caribbean Cup qualification against French Guiana.
Since then, he’s built a steady presence and now has more than 45 caps.
Coaches have picked him for World Cup qualifiers, Gold Cup tournaments, and Nations League matches. He usually plays as a winger, giving Haiti some much-needed pace and width.
Etienne really stood out during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, when Haiti reached the semifinals for the first time. He played in every stage, including the dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Canada in the quarterfinals.
Haiti Senior Team Stats (as of June 2024):
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Caps | 46 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Debut | 2016 |
These numbers show a player trusted in competitive settings, not just friendlies.
International Goals and Assists
Etienne scored his first international goal in January 2017 against Trinidad and Tobago in a Caribbean Cup playoff. That goal confirmed his attacking value and probably gave him a real confidence boost at the senior level.
He’s added to his tally in Nations League and Gold Cup matches, scoring in group play and knockout rounds. His ability to create chances matters just as much, with several assists in regional competitions.
While he’s not a prolific scorer, his contributions often arrive when Haiti needs them most. He’s built a reputation for timely runs and a willingness to take on defenders.
Notable Scoring Moments:
- First goal: vs Trinidad and Tobago, 2017
- Gold Cup: part of Haiti’s semifinal run in 2019
- Nations League: goals and assists in group stage play
Youth International Experience
Before the senior team, Etienne played for Haiti at several youth levels. He joined the U17 squad at the 2013 CONCACAF Championship in Panama. Two years later, he played for the U20s at the 2015 CONCACAF Championship in Jamaica.
He also had a brief appearance with the U23s in 2015. Those early experiences gave him a taste of international competition against strong regional opponents.
Etienne chose to represent Haiti instead of the United States, a decision shaped by family ties and opportunity. Both his father and uncle played for Haiti, so he’s carrying on a family tradition.
By the time he left the University of Virginia after just one season to turn pro, he already had international experience that helped prepare him for the senior stage.
Playing Style and On-Field Impact
Derrick Etienne Jr. blends pace with tactical awareness, giving Toronto FC options in several roles. He can shift between wide positions and central midfield, which makes him a flexible piece in a lineup that often needs to balance attack and possession.
Winger and Midfield Versatility
Etienne feels at home on the left wing, where he stretches the field and challenges defenders one-on-one. His speed lets him beat markers down the line, but he’ll drift inside to combine with central players, too.
At Toronto FC, he usually lines up as a winger, though coaches have trusted him in midfield when injuries or tactics call for it. That kind of adaptability raises his value, especially in a league where roster depth is always a challenge.
He developed this versatility at the University of Virginia, playing across multiple attacking roles. That background clearly helped once he reached MLS, where adjusting is a must.
Strengths and Technical Skills
Etienne’s game relies on acceleration, quick touches, and smart decision-making in transition. You’ll see him use his right foot to cut inside and create scoring chances, while his balance helps him protect the ball from pressure.
He doesn’t score in bunches, but he plays a big role in buildup and chance creation. His passing in the final third and knack for pulling defenders wide opens up space for strikers.
Check out his recent league numbers:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Atlanta Utd | 22 | 2 | 3 | 1,150 |
| 2024 | Toronto FC | 27 | 4 | 5 | 1,900 |
These stats show steady involvement—his impact comes more from service and movement than just scoring.
Video Highlights
Watching Etienne on video, you get a real sense of his rhythm. His best moments often happen when he times his runs behind defenders or cuts inside for a quick shot.
Clips from his 2024 season with Toronto FC show him linking up with forwards, delivering low crosses, and pressing high up the field. His energy seems to set the tone for his teammates.
If you check out highlight reels on Toronto FC’s official site, you’ll spot a clear pattern: direct runs, quick release passes, and plenty of defensive tracking when possession is lost. Those videos really back up what you see in his stats.
Personal Background and Off-Field Profile
Etienne blends American roots with Haitian pride, and he brings both into his career. His path reflects family influence, cultural ties, and a work ethic that shaped him before he reached Toronto FC.
Early Life and Family
Derrick Etienne Jr. was born on November 25, 1996, in Richmond, Virginia. Soccer runs in his family—his father, Derrick Etienne Sr., played professionally, and his uncle Darrell Etienne also represented Haiti. That kind of background gave him early exposure to the game.
He grew up in a household where soccer wasn’t just a hobby—it was expected. The family’s knowledge and support gave him a foundation most players don’t get.
Etienne attended the University of Virginia and played one season for the Cavaliers before turning pro. That short college stint helped him polish his technical skills while adjusting to tougher competition.
Key Family Connections
- Father: Derrick Etienne Sr., former professional player
- Uncle: Darrell Etienne, Haiti international
- College: University of Virginia, 2015 season
This family influence, along with his own drive, set him on the path to Major League Soccer and eventually the international stage.
Citizenship and Heritage
Etienne’s got roots in both the United States and Haiti. He was born in Virginia, so he could’ve played for the U.S., but he picked Haiti instead. That choice really shows how much his family’s heritage means to him.
If you’re a fan, you might want to know how his background shapes who he is. He grew up in the States and trained in its soccer system. Still, he brings a lot of Haitian culture and tradition into his career.
He first played for Haiti’s senior team in 2016. Since then, he’s been a regular pick for the national squad. Playing for Haiti lets him compete in CONCACAF tournaments and deepens his connection to the country.
Citizenship and National Team Profile
| Country of Birth | United States (Richmond, Virginia) |
|---|---|
| National Team | Haiti |
| Senior Debut | 2016 |
| Position | Winger / Midfielder |
With this dual identity, he represents Haiti on the international stage and keeps playing club soccer in MLS with Toronto FC.
