Ten MLS loanees to watch in the USL

NYRB II’s Anatole Abang (New York Red Bulls)

Constantly the target of clubs overseas, Anatole Abang splits his time between the Red Bulls first team, and NYRB2, eight appearances for both sides in 2016. In his USL time this campaign, he has four goals, plus two for the MLS side.

He’s also featured on the Cameroon national team beginning this spring. He’s a player that the Red Bulls don’t have a spot for quite yet, but so far, have not been willing to part with despite interest from European sides.

NYRB II’s Derrick Etienne Jr.  (New York Red Bulls)

Yes, another member of NYRB2. They are that talented. Derrick Etienne Jr. may be the most skilled of the three on this list, even though his stat sheet isn’t eye-catching. His pace, balance, and strength on the ball help the Red Bulls 2 high scoring offense operate. He continually is beating defenders, and finding teammates, or putting a shot on himself.

A late addition to this year’s Chipotle Homegrown game, he came in at #3 on the USL’s 20 under 20 series, and has two goals and five assists in 2016. That doesn’t even begin to describe the havoc his pace causes for defenses. He’s also earned caps with the Haitian junior national teams. A player with Etienne Jr’s pace, passing and pressure are hard to come by, so tune in to him on the USL level before he inevitably joins the first team.

Next: De-fense!