On July 10, 2019, John Tolkin departed for his first away trip with New York Red Bulls II and he did not know what kind of night this would turn out to be for him.
“One second you're playing with kids your own age and then the next day you're being thrown into a game with grown men,” Tolkin said.
The Chatham, New Jersey native made his professional debut against Bethlehem Steel FC, coming on in the 64th minute being down by two goals. “Before coming into the game, it was 3-1, I honestly thought there is no way we have a chance left in this game” he said.