Days before the latest Hudson River Derby, the New York Red Bulls added 2017 draft pick Ethan Kutler to the first team roster.
A New York native, Kutler was the 39th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft. Kutler has made 25 appearances with Red Bulls II, who made it to the finals of the 2017 USL playoffs. He is the seventh player from USL affiliate Red Bulls II to sign for the first team.
“I am beyond excited to get the nod and continue doing what I love for this organization,” Kutler said in the team press release.
Ethan Kutler Signs With New York Red Bulls
Rising to the Challenge
Kutler played four years with Colgate University as an attacker. But his time with the USL side found him at outside back. RBNY head coach Jesse Marsch praised Kutler’s development.
“He understands our style of play and what we ask from our outside backs,” Marsch noted.
With Michael Amir Murillo and Fidel Escobar heading to the World Cup in Russia and Kyle Duncan’s season-ending knee injury, the RBNY defense needed some new life. Kutler knows this is the beginning of a new challenge.
“Nothing stops here and I will continue to push myself to make an impact at the MLS level,” he emphasized.
A Tradition of Excellence
Kutler has a prominent Colgate alumnus in his corner: Fox Sports anchor Rob Stone.
“I immediately called Jesse Marsch in the middle of our Champions League broadcast to thank him for the faith and trust he has given our program,” Stone said when asked about the signing.
A previous captain and assist leader for the Colgate University Raiders, Stone credits the Patriot League team with preparing Kutler for a future in MLS.
“[These] ‘smaller’ collegiate programs… continue to produce top tier, under the radar talent,” Stone continued.
It is not clear when Kutler will make his MLS debut.
