Derrick Etienne Jr.’s last kick of the game was his right foot driving into an advertising board beyond the end line. It was a moment of frustration after a frustrating game.
His first FC Cincinnati start was supposed to be a memorable one against the big club rival. Instead, it ended in a 3-1 defeat that saw the club outplayed from the start.
“At the end of the day, I could care less about (my first start),” Etienne Jr. said. “It’s pretty disappointing. “To come out for a derby game and go down 3-0 in the first half is disappointing. As an attacking player, we didn’t score any goals and create any chances, so I put that on myself.”
On loan from New York Red Bulls, Etienne Jr. has played the last three matches for the Orange and Blue, but his first two appearances were as a second half substitute. On Sunday night, he got the start over Emmanuel Ledesma, who missed two practices last week with an injury.
Overall, the Haiti international showed signs of potential against Columbus in his 75 minutes of action, even if chances were limited. In the 56th minute, he almost scored when he volleyed a shot straight at Eloy Room after a clever pass from Allan Cruz.
“He’s a guy who works for the team,” FCC Head Coach Ron Jans said of Etienne Jr. “He showed that he can be even more important for the team on the details, especially when we lose the ball.”
One of those little details is pressing high defensively, and it’s worth noting the winger is on loan from the MLS club known for its pressing.
So, Etienne Jr. should fit naturally into that style when Cincinnati aren’t in possession. The key moving forward is what he can do when the club has the ball in the final third.
