Chatham’s John Tolkin Earns First All-Star Recognition with NY Red Bulls

When New York Red Bulls head coach Troy Lesesne told defender John Tolkin over a
video call that he was named to the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star team, the
soon-to-be 21-year-old was incredulous at the time.

While playing for Team USA in the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup Tournament, Lesesne
asked Tolkin if he was familiar with the pop rock band Smash Mouth, which he was not.

But his coach told him to look up the group’s biggest hit, All Star. The song’s hook is: “‘Hey, now, you’re an Allstar. Get your game on.’

It took Tolkin–who his uncle nicknamed him JMi, short for John Micheal, as a kid–a
moment to let it marinate and completely sink in, but he said he was completely blown
away when he realized Lesesne was not joking.

“I didn’t believe him at first,” said Tolkin in a telephone interview last Wednesday afternoon. “But I’m super pumped that I’m going to be out there with the all-stars. I’m really excited.”

The Chatham, N.J., resident moved to the area from New York City with his family at the age of one.

Tolkin, who played for the Chatham recreational soccer team as a youth, is enjoying a solid season with the Red Bulls, registering four assists, which ranks him tied for third among active MLS defenders.

Sure, Tolkin has been playing well, and the thought bounced around the inside of his
head, thinking there might be a chance he could make the MLS All-Star squad. But
could it really become a reality, he pondered?

“I did think it was a possibility,” he admitted. “But you never think it will come true.”

Well, it has become a reality, and he said his parents, who he still lives with, will be at
the game. And they could not be prouder of him for achieving All-Star status.

Though young, Tolkin, who is known for his sandy blond hair and unique hair style, said
he is not fazed by the high-profile event at all, having played in a number of international
competitions in the past.

Additionally, the Chatham High School graduate made his professional debut with the New York Red Bulls II, the franchise’s reserve team, in July of 2019, at the tender age of 18. 

Therefore, now in his fourth season with the team, Tolkin said he is accustomed to performing at a youthful age under the spotlight. 

“I don’t care who I’m playing against,” said Tolkin, whose brother, Peter, plays defense for Division I Butler University Men’s soccer team. “I’m just going to play as freely as I can.”

The MLS All Stars lost to Arsenal F.C, 5-0, at Audi Field in Washington D.C., on Wednesday, July 19th.

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– Jerry Del Priore 

Photo: New York Red Bulls

This story previously appeared in the Chatham Courier in July.