Player Details

Name

Nick DeLeon

Height

5' 10"

Weight

170 lbs

Date of Birth

7.17.1990 (34)

Birthplace

Phoenix, AZ USA

Position

Midfielder
Career Summary

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2017 (D.C. United): After suffering an injury that forced him to miss 14 consecutive matches from April 22 to July 17, DeLeon came on strong in the second half of the season, starting 12 of the team’s final 13 games. The versatile midfielder/defender was efficient for United, winning 84.2% of his tackles and registering a team-high passing accuracy rate in the opposing half (79.1%). On April 1 against Philadelphia, United’s longest-tenured member made his 150th career United appearance and his 135th MLS start.

 

2016 (D.C. United): DeLeon proved to be immensely valuable to Ben Olsen and his staff in his versatility, playing in central midfield, wide midfield and outside back throughout the season. He started both matches in the 2015-16 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League and made 32 appearances in the regular season (27 starts).  DeLeon scored his only goal of the season in United’s 6-2 victory over Chicago on 8/27.  

 

2015 (D.C. United): DeLeon was a reliable and influential piece in the midfield once again, with the ability to produce both offensive bursts and stalwart defensive efforts. He logged the game-winning assist in a 1-0 win over Los Angeles on Mar. 28 as well as assists in a 3-1 win over Chicago on June 3 and a 2-1 against New England on June 21. DeLeon had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win over Philadelphia on July 26, and he scored in a 6-4 win vs. Real Salt Lake on Aug. 1. He also scored in overtime in a 3-1 win over Pittsburgh in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. DeLeon made his 100th regular season appearance for D.C. United when he came on as a 63rd minute substitute in United’s 1-0 victory against Chicago on June 24.

 

2014 (D.C. United): DeLeon returned to form in his third year with D.C. United, logging a career-high 31 games (30 starts). Scored two goals and had a career-high five assists, including a goal in a 4-2 win at Montreal on June 11 and in a 2-1 win at Toronto on July 5. Also scored in the second leg of D.C. United’s Eastern Conference semifinal series against New York.  

 

2013 (D.C. United): DeLeon's sophomore year got off to a slower start. After suffering a hamstring strain against the Columus Crew at RFK Stadium on March 23rd, the talented midfielder was sidelined for 6 1/2 weeks. He quickly regained his fitness and worked his way back into the starting lineup, trying to help a struggling Black-and-Red offense. DeLeon netted his first goal of the year in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal round against the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on 8/7, seeing United to a 2-0 victory over the home side. His first MLS tally came on 8/31 against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena; DeLeon evened the score, but the Black-and-Red would go on to lose 2-1. On 10/12, the dynamic attacker hit a rocket agaisnst the Philadelphia Union, ultimately earning D.C. United Goal of the Year.

 

2012 (D.C. United): The MLS Rookie of the Year runner-up – D.C. United’s fourth finalist in the category in as many seasons – made an immediate impact in his inaugural professional campaign, scoring his first League goal 13 minutes into his first MLS appearance on March 18, 2012 against the LA Galaxy in a 3-1 loss. DeLeon would go on to tally six strikes in his first season – also adding four assists – breaking D.C. United’s rookie goal-scoring record, previously held by Santino Quaranta (2001), Freddy Adu (2004) and Andy Najar (2010). During the Black-and-Red’s first playoff run since 2007, DeLeon notched two additional goals, including the match-winner (and series-clincher) in the 88th minute against the New York Red Bulls in Leg 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

 

 

COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

DeLeon ranked second on the team in scoring with six goals and six assists, starting every match during his senior season at the University of Louisville. The Phoenix native led the team with 76 shots, finishing the year with two game-winners, including one in overtime against Bradley in the 2011 NCAA College Cup. In addition to earning All-Great Lakes Region and All-Big East First Team honors for the second straight year, DeLeon was the only Cardinal selected to the Big East All-Tournament Team.  In 2010, DeLeon started in all 24 games for Louisville, earning All-Big East honors in his first season with the Cardinals. He finished his junior campaign tied for second on the team in scoring with eight goals and three assists, as well as leading the team with 71 shots and four game-winning goals. Among his other honors were Big East Offensive Player of the Week, and DeLeon was named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Week on two occasions. DeLeon was also named to the 2010 All-Big East Conference First Team. DeLeon scored two goals and recorded two assists in 12 matches (nine starts) during his sophomore season at UNLV in 2009. He also recorded 19 shots, including nine on goal, and earned All-MPSF honorable mention honors.

 

 

ACQUIRED

Selected in the first round (7th overall) of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.