Nico Cavallo Bio
Nicolas Cavallo (born December 27, 2001) is an American soccer player who plays for New York City FC in Major League Soccer. A defender by trade, Cavallo began his soccer journey in Richmond, Virginia, where he played for the Richmond Strikers before moving to Davidson College for his collegiate career. After four seasons with the Wildcats, he continued his development in the USL League Two with Long Island Rough Riders and Asheville City SC. He was drafted by New York City FC in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and signed his first professional contract with the club, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Early Life and Background
Nicolas Cavallo was born on December 27, 2001, in Richmond, Virginia. He grew up in the same city where he first developed his love for the game, playing club soccer with local side Richmond Strikers. The Richmond Strikers provided Cavallo with his earliest organized playing experience and helped shape his development as a young defender.
Raised in Virginia, Cavallo was part of a community that has produced a steady stream of college and professional talent. His time with the Strikers gave him a foundation in the sport and prepared him for the next step in his soccer journey, which would take him from his home state to a collegiate program known for producing well-rounded student-athletes.
Path to Soccer
In 2020, Cavallo enrolled at Davidson College to play college soccer. He spent four seasons with the Davidson Wildcats, becoming a reliable presence in the squad over that span. During his time at Davidson, he made 58 appearances, scored one goal, and tallied eight assists, showing consistency and durability across multiple campaigns.
While balancing his college schedule, Cavallo also gained valuable experience in the USL League Two, a development league that has long served as a bridge between college and professional soccer. He spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons with Long Island Rough Riders before joining Asheville City SC for the 2024 season. In 2024, Cavallo also attended the University of California, Los Angeles as a graduate student, where he earned All-Big Ten Second-Team honors after making 19 appearances, scoring one goal, and adding two assists for the UCLA Bruins.
Nico Cavallo Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
Cavallo began his senior amateur career in 2022 with Long Island Rough Riders in the USL League Two. His two seasons with the Rough Riders, spanning 2022 and 2023, allowed him to refine his defensive game against a mix of college and young professional players. The experience helped him adjust to a faster, more physical style of play.
In 2024, Cavallo suited up for Asheville City SC in the USL League Two, continuing his progression as a defender. That same year, his graduate transfer to the University of California, Los Angeles brought him into a high-profile college program. His All-Big Ten Second-Team selection with the UCLA Bruins confirmed his readiness for the next level.
MLS SuperDraft and New York City FC (2024–2025)
On December 20, 2024, Cavallo was selected 88th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft by New York City FC. The selection marked a significant milestone in his career, as Major League Soccer is the top professional league in the United States and Canada. Being drafted gave Cavallo a clear pathway into the professional ranks.
He signed his first professional contract with New York City FC on February 21, 2025, agreeing to a one-year deal with the club. The agreement officially launched his professional career and tied him to one of the league’s most established franchises. His transition from college and amateur soccer to a full-time professional environment represented the culmination of years of steady development.
Playing Style and Strengths
Cavallo is listed at 185 centimeters tall and operates primarily as a defender. His combination of size, positional awareness, and composure on the ball suits the demands of the modern back line. His college production, which included eight assists at Davidson, suggests comfort distributing from the back and contributing to attacking sequences.
Notable Events and Milestones
The standout moments of Cavallo’s career so far include his 2025 MLS SuperDraft selection by New York City FC and the signing of his first professional contract in February 2025. Earning All-Big Ten Second-Team honors during his graduate year at the University of California, Los Angeles also stands out as a significant individual achievement.
Nico Cavallo Career Wins
Nico Cavallo’s professional career is just beginning, and verified win totals at the Major League Soccer level are not yet available. His record at the collegiate and amateur levels reflects a developmental path built on consistency and steady playing time rather than headline individual honors.
USL League Two Highlights
Cavallo played in the USL League Two from 2022 through 2024, spending two seasons with Long Island Rough Riders before a campaign with Asheville City SC. Verified win totals and playoff finishes for those seasons are not available in the supplied sources.
Other Performances
At Davidson College, Cavallo made 58 appearances and recorded one goal and eight assists across four seasons with the Wildcats. At the University of California, Los Angeles, he added 19 appearances, one goal, and two assists in a single graduate season that produced All-Big Ten Second-Team recognition.
Nico Cavallo Family
Family Background and Soccer Lineage
Verified details about Nico Cavallo’s parents and family background are not available in the supplied sources. His early development in Richmond, Virginia, and his progression through the Richmond Strikers, Davidson College, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the USL League Two trace the soccer pipeline that shaped his career.
Personal Life
Verified details about Nico Cavallo’s spouse, children, and personal relationships are not available in the supplied sources. He is an American national, born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, and continues his soccer career with New York City FC.
2025 Season Performance
Cavallo entered the 2025 Major League Soccer season as a rookie with New York City FC after being drafted 88th overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and signing a one-year contract in February 2025. As a young defender, his role within the squad centers on development, learning from more experienced teammates, and earning minutes when called upon. The early portion of his rookie campaign is focused on adapting to the pace and physical demands of professional soccer.
With New York City FC competing in Major League Soccer, Cavallo has the opportunity to integrate into a club with a track record of developing young talent. His college experience at Davidson College and the University of California, Los Angeles, combined with his USL League Two tenure with Long Island Rough Riders and Asheville City SC, has prepared him for the rigors of a full professional season.
Looking ahead, the remainder of the 2025 season will be a defining stretch for Cavallo as he looks to establish himself within the New York City FC roster. Continued growth, consistent training, and any first-team appearances would represent meaningful progress in his transition from college standout to established Major League Soccer professional.