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Nico Rosamilia is coming off a breakout performance, the Rutgers freshman scoring two goals to pace the men’s Scarlet Knights soccer team to a 2-1 win over Saint Joseph’s on Monday.
For Rosamilia, it was the first two goals of his collegiate career. The attacker has earned a regular spot in head coach Jim McElderry’s Starting XI this year, impressing with his composure on the ball and vision in his distribution.
He was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week for his strong performances against Saint Joseph’s and last Friday in a 3-2 win over Lehigh.
“The momentum that we have as a group is special. Being a freshman since I came here, the coaches and the players have just taken me in as family and they’ve been great,” Rosamilia said following Monday’s win over St. Joseph’s.
“We have a lot of chemistry as a group and I feel like it carries over to the field. We had a great result tonight, we put in a team effort and I feel like the six games, it is a complete team effort. Coach likes to talk about strength in numbers. We had a lot of guys who put in work in training and it translates over the field.”
Rosamilia is a product of the vaunted New York Red Bulls Academy, one of the top academies in all of MLS. The academy has produced a number of international players such as Tyler Adams and Matt Miazga. Several members of the Rutgers men’s soccer team have been a part of the Red Bulls Academy.
Rutgers is undefeated through six games to start the season, their 5-0-1 record is a testament to a team that is clearly growing in their third year under McElderry. Last season, Rutgers took a big step forward in their development as a program, going 4-4-1 (all in conference play).
This weekend, Rutgers opens up their Big Ten schedule when they play No. 11 Indiana (4-1-1). The Hoosiers made the national championship game last year.
“They’re a great group, made it to the national final last year, we know that. But we have all the confidence to go in there, away from home, and get a result and win the game,” Rosamilia said.
“It definitely gives a lot of confidence but it is nothing that we haven’t done the first six games is putting in a 90-minute effort and hopefully get a win on Friday.”
In addition to Rosamilia’s nod from the Big Ten, Rutgers right back Thomas DeVizio was named to the Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week. DeVizio produced two assists in Rutgers win over Lehigh.
A trio of goals for your Saturday afternoon.#RUMS /// #GoRU! pic.twitter.com/EuGgwup4WW
— Rutgers Men’s Soccer (@RUMensSoccer) September 11, 2021