Since joining the Black-and-Red in 2012, Nick DeLeon has been a consistent presence in United's locker room and on the pitch, using his versatility to fill in almost anywhere needed, from the back line to the attacking midfield. DeLeon's 2018 campaign took a turn in May, though, when he was sidelined with a knee injury that required surgery and kept him off the field for most of the season.
After a long, challenging recovery process, DeLeon finally returned to United's 18-player roster against the Chicago Fire on Oct. 7, and made his Audi Field debut as a substitute in the 87th minute. The defender went on to increase his minutes against FC Dallas on Oct. 13, coming in for Jalen Robinson in the 54th minute. On Wednesday night against Toronto FC, DeLeon made his return to the starting XI, and logged his first 90-minute shift since injury, helping secure the 1-0 win in the process.
The original plan may not have been to have DeLeon return to the starting lineup against Toronto, but his strong showing on Wednesday just added to head coach Ben Olsen's praise for the defender and his ability to come in and serve as a true utility man for United.
“This is a guy that has been out all year, is nowhere near 90-minutes fit, and we chuck him out there and he’s maybe one of the better players on the field on the night,” Olsen said of DeLeon with a chuckle. “That’s Nicky. He’s a guy that can do that.”
One of the reasons DeLeon returned to the starting lineup so quickly was a need to fill the voids left by other injured defensive players. Defender Oniel Fisher suffered a season-ending knee injury at the end of September, Paul Arriola returned to California following the passing of his father, and Júnior Moreno was away on international duty with Venezuela, giving DeLeon his chance to get back in the starting lineup.
Olsen said the coaching staff would reassess DeLeon’s situation in training to determine the role he might play in the final two matches of the regular season. DeLeon was in good spirits following his 90-minute shift against Toronto, though, and the match served as a confidence boost to the now-healthy defender.
“I’m feeling good. Tired, but we’re all feeling good,” DeLeon said. “It was nice to get a full 90 in, push the fitness a little bit.”
While DeLeon is eager to contribute, he's willing to fill whatever role the coaching staff needs of him. And as United finish off their regular season and look toward a playoff run, DeLeon may be called upon in a variety of ways down the stretch.
“I’m just going to contribute however the coach needs,” DeLeon said. “I’m going to do what I’m asked and I’m going to do it to the best of my ability.”
