Nicholas Lee DeLeon (born July 17, 1990) is an American soccer player who most recently played 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.