One has been a key playmaker for the New York Red Bulls II over each of the past two seasons. The other was the first signing in his club’s history, and has provided stability that has allowed others to thrive in his role as captain for the Swope Park Rangers.
The Red Bulls II’s Derrick Etienne Jr. and Swope Park’s Christian Duke each have different roles to play on Sunday night in the 2016 USL Cup Final, Presented by Nike, but the manner in which each performs his role could be critical to his side’s success at Red Bull Arena in the pursuit of a first USL Cup.
2016 USL Cup Final Matchup - Midfielders
Derrick Etienne Jr.
New York Red Bulls II
After featuring for the Red Bulls II as an Academy signing before joining the University of Virginia last fall, Derrick Etienne Jr.’s first professional season has been an unqualified success. With five goals and six assists in the regular season, and another goal in the postseason in addition to two penalty shootout conversions, Etienne has shown outstanding poise. The No. 3 selection in this year’s USL 20 Under 20, the Haitian international will likely get plenty of attention from Swope Park’s defensive unit.
Christian Duke
Swope Park Rangers
A former Sporting Kansas City signing, Christian Duke was the first signing in Swope Park history last offseason, and has been the glue that holds the side together in the center of the field, allowing players like Ayrton and Ualefi the chance to thrive in their roles. Duke isn’t just a simple holding midfielder, though, as his ability to read the game and get forward into the attack can pose problems for opponents. He’ll do so responsibly, but the Red Bulls II will need to keep an eye on him should he foray forward.
Which midfielder will hold the upper hand on Sunday night in the 2016 USL Cup Final?
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