Former Nichols College soccer player Patrick DeRosa will begin his professional career as a member of the ASL’s New Hampshire Bobcats. Courtesy Photo
Lynnfield resident Patrick DeRosa, a two-year captain of the men’s soccer team at Nichols College, has agreed to a contract to play professional soccer for the New Hampshire Bobcats of the American Soccer League (ASL).
DeRosa was a four-year starter at Nichols. In 2014, as a junior defender, he was named to the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) second team after helping the Bison capture the CCC championship for only the second time in program history. He was part of a defensive unit that set a program record for goals against average (0.68).
DeRosa scored the game-tying goal in the 85th minute of the Bison’s 2014 CCC championship match against Gordon College to force overtime. Nichols gutted out a 2-1 win in the second overtime session to punch its ticket to the NCAA Division 3 Men’s Soccer Tournament. DeRosa’s efforts landed him Defensive Player of the Week honors for the week of Nov. 9.
“Our coaching staff and returning players are proud of Pat’s achievement,” said Nichols coach Chris Traina. “His hard word, athleticism and passion has taken him to a level beyond NCAA athletics. We wish him the best.”
The ASL is a development league that provides American soccer players with professional playing opportunities, as well as a direct pathway to the major leagues.
DeRosa’s season with the Bobcats begins Saturday at 7 p.m. at Harry Della Rosso Stadium in Revere. The Bobcats will host Connecticut United FC in the opening game of the ASL season.