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Haitian-American Josmer Altidore took first steps by making pro-debut for NYRed Bulls ...Altidore, 16, makes Red Bulls debut

Washington, D.C. -- Officially, he still hasn't played in an MLS match.

But Wednesday night turned into a red-letter day and night for 16-year-old rookie forward Josmer Altidore, who made his professional debut in the 3-1 quarterfinal loss to D.C. United that eliminated the New York Red Bulls from the Lamar Hunt/U.S. Open Cup at RFK Stadium.

Altidore replaced 38-year-old former French international Youri Djorkaeff -- who is old enough to be his father -- in the 74th minute.

"It was fun," Altidore said. "The atmosphere like this was loud and I was excited. It's a little unfortunate that we were already down. But I still had a good time."

Red Bulls coach Bruce Arena certainly like what he saw.

"I thought Altidore actually did all right," he said. "The kid's 16-years-old. Hopefully he has a good future."

Arena told the 5-10, 170-lb. Altidore in Columbus (where the Red Bulls dropped a 1-0 decision Saturday) that he would play Wednesday.

"He gave me a little heads up," Arena said. "He wanted to look at me. He wanted to get me started early. . . . He told me to be ready."

Altidore had one shot on goal in his brief outing -- a 20-yard bouncer that United goalkeeper Nick Rimando easily handled in the waning minutes.

After training and play with the U.S. Under-20 National Team for the past several months, Altidore has gotten to train more with the Red Bulls in the past month.

"It's big," he said. "In the beginning the guys don't respect you at first. No offense. They're not bad guys at all, but you've got to earn respect. I think as I've been here a little bit longer I've earned a little bit of that respect. Not fully because I'm still young and I haven't done much. It does a great deal. They believe you a lot more and they trust you a lot more."

He did think this season was a tryout for next year.

"I don't feel this is a tryout," he said. "I'm trying to relax and play every day. Tryout? I just feel this is a learning experience. I'm just trying to learn each time i get onto the field and benefit to help me in the National Team programs.

Altidore was chosen in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft when Mo Johnston was coach, but he was fired in June.

Arena took over the coaching reins in July.

"I think it was great because obviously Bruce is arguably the best coach the United States has ever had," Altidore said. "I'm excited and I know everyone was excited to have a guy who has such expertise on the game."