Grenadiers Roundup: Etienne, Isidor, Jean Jacques and Dany Jean shine across Europe and MLS
It was a weekend to remember for Haiti’s soccer diaspora, as Grenadiers on both sides of the Atlantic left their mark in Major League Soccer, the Premier League and Portugal’s second division. From a stoppage-time equalizer in Toronto to a match-winning penalty won in England, four Haitian internationals delivered performances worth toasting this Monday.
This is the debut edition of Grenadiers Roundup, a weekly look at how Haiti’s players are performing across the world’s leagues.
Etienne Rescues a Point for Toronto FC
Derrick Etienne Jr. produced the goal of the weekend for the Haitian contingent, curling home a stoppage-time equalizer to salvage a 4-4 draw for Toronto FC against the Chicago Fire on Saturday night at BMO Field.
The Haiti international’s strike, in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, capped a wild, back-and-forth affair. Robert Lewandowski chipped in a goal and an assist for the visitors.
Etienne, 29, is in his third season with Toronto and has 45 caps for Haiti, with eight goals and 10 assists for Les Grenadiers, including a role in Haiti’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Isidor Wins the Penalty That Salvaged Sunderland’s Point
In the Premier League, Wilson Isidor was the man of the moment for Sunderland in a 1-1 draw at Brentford on Saturday. With the Black Cats trailing after a first-half goal from Brentford’s Fabio Carvalho, referee Thomas Bramall pointed to the spot after Isidor was fouled by Keane Lewis-Potter.
Enzo Le Fée sent goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way to level the match. After his winning goal against Fullham last week, Isidor showcases his talent again to help Sunderland win a point on the road.
Jean Jacques Keeps Philadelphia’s Unbeaten Run Alive
Danley Jean Jacques continued his strong 2026 campaign with the Philadelphia Union, scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win over CF Montreal on Saturday night at Subaru Park. The Haiti midfielder broke the deadlock in the 57th minute for his fourth goal of the season, before 16-year-old Homegrown midfielder Cavan Sullivan sealed the result in the 75th minute.
The victory extended Philadelphia’s unbeaten streak to eight matches under interim coach Ryan Richter. Jean Jacques, born in Petit-Goâve, became the first active Philadelphia Union player to start a FIFA World Cup match when he featured for Haiti against Scotland in the tournament’s group stage in June.
Dany Jean Strikes Again in Portugal
In Portugal’s second tier, winger Dany Jean scored as SCU Torreense defeated Benfica’s reserve squad, Benfica B, 2-0 on Saturday to claim its first win of the Liga Portugal 2 season. It was Jean’s second goal in five matchdays this season for Torreense, which recently retained the Haitian winger on a new contract after his strong performances helped the club win the Taça de Portugal last season.
The result should not be confused with a result against Benfica’s senior team, which competes separately in Portugal’s top flight, Liga Portugal Betclic.
