Adams has extra-special grad party
For Red Bulls midfielder Tyler Adams, skipping his high school graduation for the Hudson River Derby was simple.
“It was a no brainer to me,” Adams, 18, told The Post. “I have one passion and that’s playing soccer. Obviously, education I take very serious as well. But it was a very easy decision to come to this game today.”
Adams, who starred for the U.S. Under-20 team at the World Cup earlier this month, said him and his family held a little ceremony at Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls, N.Y., earlier on Saturday before the Red Bulls fell 2-0 to NYCFC in Harrison, N.J.
“I just walked up and got my diploma. I took a few pictures with my family and came straight here,” said Adams, who received a graduation poster from a fan at the game.
Adams battled all afternoon in the midfield with NYCFC midfielder and fellow teen Yangel Herrera, whom he faced in the U-20 World Cup when the U.S. lost 2-1 against Venezuela on June 4. Much like that match, Herrera caused havoc in the Red Bulls midfield and the two even had an early spat, when Herrera ran over Adams which resulted in an exchange of shoves from both players.
“Good players make it hard on you,” said Adams. “Credit to [Herrera]. He did a good job, he got around the ball and won his individual battles.”
But Adams, who will take online courses through Southern New Hampshire University, a partner with MLS, said despite the 2-0 loss, he can’t wait for the next match against NYCFC.
Adams and the Red Bulls can get their revenge when the teams play on Aug. 6 at Yankee Stadium.
“When you walk out there and see an electric stadium more than any other game, I think our fans know what the rivalry is about now.” Adams said. “It was an amazing experience. Obviously not coming out with the result [hurts], but it’ll be good to play them again later [this year].”