New York Red Bulls defender Hasan Ndam made his MLS debut in the Red Bulls’ 3-0 win over Minnesota United FC, Saturday at TCF Stadium, replacing Sal Zizzo in the second minute of extra time.

Signed to the first team on January 31, 2017 from Rainbow FC Bamenda in his native country of Cameroon, Ndam expressed his gratefulness and excitement of the opportunity he had to take the pitch, “It felt surreal, whether it was for two minutes or twenty seconds, the feeling was indescribable.” Ndam said. “Standing on the sidelines waiting to cross over the line, there was just chills going through my body. I could not stop smiling. I cannot wait for my next opportunity.”

A mainstay in the NYRB II backline, Ndam leads the USL affiliate in interceptions with 51 as well as an efficient 80.8 percent tackle win rate. He’s also started and played in 14 of the team’s 19 matches in 2017 totaling 1204 minutes.

The 18-year-old was most recently named to the USL’s 20 Under 20 prospects with Hassan featuring at number thirteen.