Nicholas Lee DeLeon is an American soccer player currently playing for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. Although he is capable of playing as a full-back, he typically plays as a wide midfielder, working towards the center. He is highly regarded for his work rate and 1-on-1 skills. He also demonstrates an ability to score with both feet.
Club career
Youth
DeLeon played three years for Thunderbird High School in Phoenix, Arizona from 2004 to 2007. DeLeon started his collegiate career at University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 2008, and led freshmen in appearances with 18, starting in 12, and earned 3 assists in his first year. DeLeon scored two goals and two assists in 12 appearances his sophomore year. In the summer of 2010, DeLeon took part in and scored in the U.S. Open Cup with Phoenix-based NPSL team Arizona Sahuaros. DeLeon transferred to the University of Louisville for the 2010 season. DeLeon had a successful first season with the Cardinals, starting all 24 games and scoring 8 goals and 3 assists, and was named to the All-Big East first team. The Cardinals won the 2010 Big East Soccer Tournament and advanced to the final of the 2010 College Cup, where they fell 1–0 to the Akron Zips. In DeLeon's senior season at Louisville, he again started every game, scoring 6 goals and 6 assists, and was again named to the All-Big East first team. DeLeon's two goals in the Cardinals' first two games helped them to the quarterfinals of the 2011 College Cup and saw him named to the Cup's All-Tournament team. DeLeon was invited to the 2012 MLS Combine based on his strong collegiate performances.
Professional
DeLeon signed with Major League Soccer on December 29, 2011, and was chosen with the 7th overall pick of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United. He made his first appearance for United on March 18, 2012 coming on as a substitute in the second half against the LA Galaxy. He scored D.C.'s only goal in a 3–1 loss, curling a right-footed shot just inside the back post, earning DeLeon a nomination for Goal of the Week. On November 8, DeLeon scored the winning goal in the 88th minute to knock the New York Red Bulls out of the playoffs and to take D.C. United to the Eastern Conference finals, where United were defeated by the Houston Dynamo. DeLeon would feature in 28 games on the season, starting 25, running up a total of six goals and four assists. In the post-season, DeLeon was voted runner-up for the 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year award, losing out to fellow University of Louisville alum Austin Berry of the Chicago Fire. On November 1, 2018, DeLeon scored a volley in the 116th minute of an MLS Playoff game against Columbus Crew. DeLeon eventually missed the decisive penalty as the Crew won 3–2 on PK’s. Following the 2018 season, D.C. declined the 2019 contract option on DeLeon. In December 2018, he was selected by Toronto FC in the 2018 MLS Re-Entry Draft. DeLeon scored his first goal for Toronto FC in the 2019 season opener on March 2, 2019 against Philadelphia Union. He scored a goal against his former club, D.C. United on June 29, 2019. He scored against D.C. United again in the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs on October 19, 2019. The game ended in a 5–1 win for Deleon's side. On October 30, 2019, Deleon scored the winning goal against Atlanta United FC in a 2–1 win.
International career
Born in the United States, DeLeon is also eligible to represent Trinidad and Tobago through his father, a former Trinidadian international. DeLeon was called up for Trinidad and Tobago's qualifying campaign for the 2012 Summer Olympics but declined. In January 2013, DeLeon was called up for Trinidad and Tobago's senior friendly against Peru on February 6, 2013, but once again declined. DeLeon stated his desire to represent the United States internationally but did not eliminate the possibility of representing Trinidad and Tobago in the future. In January 2016, DeLeon's father told Trinidadian media that his son was ready to play for Trinidad and Tobago and was working on acquiring a passport for the country.
Personal life
Nick is the son of former Trinidadian international and NASL player Leroy DeLeon, who played with the Washington Diplomats in the 1970s. DeLeon married his longtime girlfriend Jordan Trimble on December 14, 2013. They have one child, a girl, born August 10, 2016, and are expecting their second child, a son in September 2017.
