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Chris Tiao has taken another step forward in his development this year, the Rutgers men’s soccer right back arguably the most consistent player on the field for his team this year. Formerly of the vaunted New York Red Bulls Academy, Tiao looks to be emerging as one of the best outside backs in the Big Ten this year.
In four games this year (three starts), Tiao has done a tremendous job in terms of his individual defending, a major reason why undefeated Rutgers (3-0-1) hasn’t allowed a goal yet through four games. But his overlapping runs and ability to condense the field through his pressing, while not making the boxscore, are important to Rutgers success so far in 2021.
Not surprisingly given his connection to the uber-fit Red Bulls Academy, Tiao has shown off his lungs this season, bringing a constant work rate to the group.
“Chris is a phenomenal athlete, kind of a track background at Randolph High School, along the way with Red Bulls as a youth academy player,” Rutgers men’s soccer head coach Jim McElderry said in his weekly press conference.
“But really unfortunate his first two years with injuries – really just kind of separated shoulder and he was out for six or seven weeks and then he hurt his knee last year just a tackle, a weird play and was out again for six or seven weeks so he’s missed a couple of season.
“So I’m just happy to see him out there playing and enjoying the soccer. He’s always super fit like one of the top fitness guys on our team, but we’re pushing them to take it to another level because I think he can be an elite athlete in the Big Ten. He just can do things that other guys can’t do for long periods of time and it’s impressive so I’m looking forward to him to continue to grow.”
Part of the reason for the intrigue around Tiao stems from his time with the Red Bulls. Considered one of the best academies in MLS, the club has a pyramid system for development that promotes young players up from youth teams to the USL level, all with the eventual hope of bringing players into the MLS team.
Tiao has spent considerable time in training as well as matches with the New York Red Bulls II, the USL team, where he’s had the opportunity to play matches against professional soccer players in what is the level below MLS.
Players such as Tyler Adams and John Tolkin have progressed from the Red Bulls academy team, up through the USL and eventually to MLS. Adams is currently a star midfielder with the United States national team and Tolkin has established himself as the Red Bulls starting left back in just his second season in the league.