HOMEGROWN DUO PINTO, WILSON SIGN WITH AMERICAN SOCCER CLUB NEW YORK

LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — American Soccer Club New York continues to bolster the roster for its inaugural season with high-end, homegrown talent that began the sport by playing in the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

The club on Monday announced the signings of midfielder Leo Pinto and defender Nicholas Wilson to its 2025 squad.

A midfielder from Forest Hills, Pinto played his youth soccer with the New Hyde Park Wildcats and the Little Neck Soccer Club in the LIJSL.

He completed his collegiate career at Queens College in 2023 ranking in the top 10 in program history in career points (35, seventh), goals (13, fifth), assists (9, seventh) and game-winning goals (4, fourth). He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and is currently pursuing a doctor of physical therapy degree at Stony Brook University.

Since earning his undergraduate degree, Pinto has continued to play competitive soccer with the New York Irish Rovers in the Premier Division of the Long Island Soccer Football League as well as with the Irish Rovers’ U-23 team in the Ryder-Vass Cup summer league.

“Although a Queens resident, Leo is a product of Long Island soccer, where he played his youth years. So he’ll serve as another example of the quality of players who are local,” ASC New York coach John Fitzgerald said. “He has terrific vision and an advanced understanding of the game. He’s a highly competitive player, while also possessing a calmness on the ball. As one of the older guys, he brings a level of experience that will benefit the team, especially the younger players.”

A defender from Selden, Wilson began playing soccer with Middle Country SC in the LIJSL and was an all-state selection for Newfield High School.

He began his collegiate career at UMass and currently plays for Stony Brook. He appeared in 10 matches and tallied one goal for the Seawolves last fall.

Wilson played club soccer for Queensboro FC, where he helped the team to a United Premier Soccer League Northeastern American Premier Championship in 2022 as well as to Northeast Division and Northeast Region titles.

He also played in the U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy — once one of the primary paths for talented players to enter the national system.

“Nick is interesting,” Fitzgerald said. “Off the field he has a calm demeanor, but once he crosses the touchline he’s a fierce competitor — cool under pressure, yet he knows when to step in as an aggressive contender. We certainly want that in our backs. He’s another Long Island soccer product as he started with his local youth club, and also has a number of years of experience at the prestigious DA level.”

ASC New York will begin its inaugural season in the NPSL on Sunday, May 4, against Osner’s FC on Long Island. Stay tuned for the official kit release as well as upcoming announcements on the team’s home stadium, nickname and additional player signings.