John Michael "JMi" Tolkin (born July 31, 2002) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a left-back for Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls and the United States national team.
Club career
Youth and early career
Raised in Chatham Borough, New Jersey, where he attended Chatham High School. Tolkin joined the New York Red Bulls Academy in 2015. During the 2019 USL Championship season he appeared for New York Red Bulls II. He made his professional debut on July 10, 2019, coming on as a second half substitute in a 4–3 victory over Bethlehem Steel. During the match he recorded his first professional assist on Tom Barlow's equalizer in the 82nd minute.
New York Red Bulls
After appearing for New York Red Bulls II in 2019, Tolkin moved up to the club's MLS roster on January 14, 2020. Tolkin made his MLS debut on May 8, 2021, appearing as a substitute against Toronto FC in a 2–0 victory. On May 29, 2021, Tolkin made his first start for the club in a 2–1 victory over Orlando City SC, earning praise for his play during the match. Tolkin scored his first professional goal on August 18, 2021, in a 1–0 win against the Columbus Crew.
On May 10, 2022, Tolkin scored his first goal of the season for New York in a 3–0 victory over DC United, which contributed to the club advancement to Round of 16 in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup. On August 18, 2022, Tolkin helped New York to a 2–1 victory over Atlanta United scoring the deciding goal. On October 5, 2022, Tolkin signed a new contract with New York tying him to the club until 2027, with an option for 2028 On November 18, 2022, Tolkin was named New York Red Bulls Defender of the Year for the 2022 season.
On August 20, 2023, Toklin scored his first goal of the season for New York, an 88th minute free kick, to help his club to a 1-0 victory over rival DC United. On October 21, 2023, Tolkin scored from the penaly spot in stoppage time to lead New York to a 1-0 victory over Nashville SC. With this win the club qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for a record 14 straight seasons. On October 25, 2023, Tolkin scored on a freekick and assisted on two other goals for New York in a 5-2 victory over Charlotte FC, helping his club advance to the first round of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Personal life
Tolkin's uncle gave him the nickname "JMi" when he was young, and his teammates and family refer to him as "JMi". He says he does not answer to "John".
Career statistics
Club
International
Honors
Individual
MLS All-Star: 2023
References
External links
ussoccerda.com profile
2002 births
Living people
American men's soccer players
Homegrown Players (MLS) New York Red Bulls II players New York Red Bulls players Men's association football defenders Chatham High School (New Jersey) alumni People from Chatham Borough, New Jersey Soccer players from Morris County, New Jersey USL Championship players United States men's youth international soccer players Major League Soccer players United States men's international soccer players 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup players