USA | Center Back / Midfielder I Minnesota United FC I MLS NEXT I 4.014 GPA
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Etienne Testa is a highly developed American defensive prospect competing within the Minnesota United FC academy system, currently playing primarily as a center back at the U18 MLS NEXT level while also training regularly with Minnesota United FC 2.
His development has been particularly interesting because of his positional evolution. Etienne originally developed as a midfielder, playing multiple midfield positions as a young player before transitioning into defensive roles approximately three years ago. He now primarily operates at center back, while retaining experience at both fullback positions and in defensive midfield.
The combination of MLS NEXT academy experience, MNUFC 2 exposure, positional versatility, and a strong competitive mentality gives him a solid foundation for the NCAA level.
NCAA / USA COMPETITIVE VALUE
Etienne offers NCAA programs a high-level domestic academy profile with MLS NEXT and professional-development experience.
His strongest projection is as a center back, but his ability to cover both fullback positions and his previous midfield experience provide significant roster flexibility. For an NCAA coaching staff, his background is particularly attractive because he has already been exposed to a professional academy environment and has trained within a pathway toward the professional level.
His development as a center back is still ongoing, which gives the right college program an opportunity to continue refining his defensive and tactical game while taking advantage of his technical background from midfield.
NCAA PROJECTION
Projection: High-Level NCAA Prospect
Etienne projects as a college-level center back with significant upside, particularly for programs looking for players coming from an MLS academy environment.
His size, positional flexibility, technical foundation, and experience within the Minnesota United system give him a strong platform for NCAA competition.
The biggest opportunity at the next level will be continuing to develop his physical presence, defensive consistency, aerial game, decision-making under pressure, and ability to consistently manage the space behind the defensive line.
RECRUITING NOTE
Etienne should be presented to NCAA coaches as an MLS NEXT center back with MNUFC 2 training experience, rather than simply as a versatile defender. His history as a midfielder is an important advantage because it gives him a broader understanding of the game and can support his development as a modern center back capable of contributing during possession.
The combination of Minnesota United academy development, MLS NEXT competition, MNUFC 2 exposure, 6’0″ frame, positional versatility, and strong competitive mentality makes Testa an intriguing 2027 NCAA recruiting prospect.
