RJ Allen was in the stands at Yankee Stadium for New York City FC’s match against the Portland Timbers on April 19.
Two weeks later, he was on the field for the Club’s match against the Seattle Sounders.
“I've been training since the fall and started training with the first team on Tuesday,” Allen said. “So, I was here Tuesday, Wednesday through Saturday and then the game tonight. It’s crazy how quickly things can change.”
Allen, who played at Monmouth University from 2008-11, was drafted fifth overall in the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft by Chivas USA but didn’t sign. He played 18 matches for Skive IK in Denmark in 2013.
The 25-year-old fullback replaced Shay Facey in the 70th minute of New York City FC’s 3-1 loss to the Sounders.
While Allen was happy with his Major League Soccer debut in front of 25,384 at Yankee Stadium this past weekend, he is focused on the Club and getting results.
“It was special; it was definitely special,” he said. “I enjoyed the moment, but it’s behind me now. It’s not about me, it’s about the team.”
Allen, who describes himself as an attacking fullback who gets forward a lot but also takes pride in 1-on-1 defending, had one tackle and a pair of clearances in his debut.
“RJ has proven in training sessions he is a capable player – a guy who can get all the way forward and back,” New York City FC head coach Jason Kreis said. “I thought he did pretty well.”
