In a continuation of our review of ‘Who is the best?,’ the question that is debated endlessly in every sports circle whether it is at the team or league level, USLsoccer.com begins the list of the 15 best and most influential players in the history of the USL Second Division over the past decade.

It must be noted that this list is subjective, although the All-League honors were weighed heavily in the process considering they are determined via general managers and coaches each year. The emphasis is primarily on who the players in the league have been the best and most influential from 2000-09 in context of the league. No doubt there have been numerous players who spent one or two seasons in the league and have moved on elsewhere, but this list is dedicated to those who have made a lengthy or lasting impact on the competition.

The Long Island Rough Riders are extremely proud to highlight that one of their former players, Derrick Etienne, made the USL-2 Top 15 Players of the Decade coming in 13th place.

Derrick Etienne

When the Long Island Rough Riders missed the postseason for the first time in 2001 with a 6-16-4 record, they immediately responded. With the addition of Etienne, who burst onto the scene with a 15-goal season in 2002, the Rough Riders posted an amazing turnaround. Not only did they make the postseason, but they captured the regular season title at 13-6-1 and went on to capture their second league championship. He added All-League honors to his resume the following year with 10 goals and continue to be an offensive leader for the club with 11 in 2004 and nine in 2005.