Bulls Abroad: Derrick Etienne named to Haiti's initial Copa America roster

Derrick Etienne might be inching closer to his senior international debut. The 19 year-old New York Red Bulls Academy product has been named to Haiti's initial 40-man roster for this summer's Copa America Centenario.

La liste des 40 Grenadiers présélectionnés par Patrice NEVEU #GrenadyeAlaso @CA2016 pic.twitter.com/XsIacLUN58

— F.H.F. (@fhfhaiti) May 2, 2016

Though yet to feature for the first team in MLS action, Etienne's stellar USL performances appear to have been enough to earn him consideration by his senior national team. Etienne has one goal and two assists this season in six games for NYRBII, playing consistently on the left wing. Etienne also featured for NYRBII last year as an amateur academy player, proving the unexpected highlight of the team's season while scoring three goals and providing three assists in 14 games on his way to earning a first team contract, leaving UVA after just one season.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Etienne is eligible for Haiti through his parents. Both his father, Derrick Etienne Sr., and his uncle, Darrell Etienne, represented Haiti on the international stage. Etienne has played for Haiti's youth teams for years but has yet to feature for the senior national team. Etienne has never been called up to any US youth national teams despite his play for the Red Bulls Academy and NYRBII. For a more in-depth perspective on Etienne, check out Once a Metro's full scouting report.

Also on the roster is former New York Red Bulls player, Andrew Jean-Baptiste. Baptiste was signed to New York last offseason but was released after playing ten games for NYRBII, and just one US Open Cup appearance for the first team. He is currently with Estrella San Agustín C.F. in Spain.

Congratulations to Derrick on his call-up and best of luck!