New York Red Bulls II goalkeeper Derrek Chan recorded seven saves in his professional debut on Saturday, April 2, against FC Tulsa.
The Cowan Heights, California, native entered the match in the third minute and came up with some huge stops to prevent multiple Tulsa scoring chances.
“It was an unreal feeling,” Chan said. “I was definitely nervous to start, but I was happy with my performance, it just didn’t work out exactly the way we wanted.”
Chan’s seven saves marked a club record for a Red Bulls II player making their club debut, which eclipsed the previous total of six, which was set by Kyle Reynish on April 4, 2015. It also broke his collegiate single match save total of six, which he set on September 25, 2021, with UC Davis.
“Being able to train with the first team in preseason helped me build so much in preparation for the USL season,” Chan said. “Now, being with my teammates on the USL side, everyone’s good. Throughout preseason, I think the preparation was there and I think you could see it.”
His seven saves were the second-most for a Red Bulls II goalkeeper during the 2022 season, one behind AJ Marcucci’s eight on Saturday, March 19, against Loudoun United FC.
“I felt prepared with shot-stopping, positioning, and being with my teammates to build chemistry,” Chan said. “Working with Jeremy [Proud], Jyri [Nieminen], and Gary [Lewis], I think all the coaches have done a great job preparing me and the team.”
