Etherington was also a member of the United States U-20 men's national soccer team in 1976 as it attempted to qualify for the 1977 FIFA World Youth Championship.
In 1976, The New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League sign 18-year-old Gary Etherington.
The Annandale Cavaliers defeated Fountain Valley, California 4–0 in the semi-finals and Sparta of Chicago (3–0) in the finals.
He signed with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League in 1977 as an amateur player and saw time in ten games that year.
While Etherington had begun as a forward with the Cosmos, his lack of production had led to his move to the midfield.
[3] He had knee surgery during the pre-season, came back to play ten games then retired in January 1989.
[5] Since retiring from playing professionally, Etherington has been involved in numerous ventures related to soccer.
Etherington has been a regional sales manager for soccer equipment and clothing companies, including Umbro.