D.C. United announced today that the club has selected University of Louisville midfielder Nick DeLeon with the seventh overall selection in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. DeLeon is United’s lone selection from today’s event in Kansas City, as the 21-year-old player completes a standout collegiate career, where he bolstered Louisville’s midfield for the past two seasons.
A native of Phoenix, Ariz., DeLeon started every game he played in for Louisville over the last two seasons (46 matches). In those contests, DeLeon recorded 14 goals and nine assists. Before coming to Louisville, the versatile midfielder spent two seasons with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, starting 21 of 30 total matches. While at UNLV, DeLeon added three assists to the team’s attack.
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“We didn’t think we would be able to get Nick with the seventh pick in today’s Draft,” said United Head Coach Ben Olsen. “We’re extremely excited about Nick – he’s pro-ready, and we saw throughout his season this year that he’s one of the guys that is ready to play professional soccer. Physically, he has all the tools and we’re going to challenge him with a tough preseason coming up. I think this kid is going to be a gamer, and I know he’s excited to join the guys and get moving.”
General Manager Dave Kasper echoed Olsen’s sentiments by stating, “We watched Nick play several times this year, and each time we walked away thinking that he was the best player on the field. We did our due diligence, and we know that he’s a winner and a player that fits our style. Nick is a guy that makes big plays, is good technically, and we’re excited to have him.
RELATED: Photos of Nick DeLeon
For his outstanding play in 2011, DeLeon was named to the most recent NSCAA All-Great Lakes First Team, while also receiving his second consecutive All-Big East Conference First Team honor. He was also a member of the Region IV ODP side during 2006 and 2007.
DeLeon comes from a family rich in soccer tradition. His father LeRoy played in the North American Soccer League for the New York Generals, Washington Diplomats and San Jose Earthquakes, among others, while also representing Trinidad & Tobago at the international level. DeLeon’s sister Jesse is currently playing college soccer at Arizona State University.
Name: Nick DeLeon
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170
Jersey: TBD
Date of Birth: July 17, 1990
Age: 21
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Citizenship: United States/Trinidad & Tobago
Last Club: University of Louisville Acquired: Obtained on January 12, 2012
