When you think of big time players in New England, Nilton de Andrade is a name that doesn't come up first, second or even third. I am not sure when his name pops up, however the man is a straight up baller and deserves his flowers.
Nilton was a standout player for UMass Boston garnishing national accolades as one of the best players at the Division 3 level. After finishing his collegiate career for the Beacons he then joined Brockton FC United helping them conquer the Northeast division of the UPSL and advancing through the qualification rounds of the prestigious US Open Cup year after year.
Photo Courtesy of The Enterprise
For many, if their careers ended at being a collegiate All American and a top player on a top local side that would be enough, for Nilton that is just the beginning. In 2021 he was called into the United States Mens National Futsal team camp in Georgia. After impressing at the camp he has been repping the Red, White and Blue. With the US he has competed in FIFA and CONCACAF events and tournaments all over the world.
These achievements led to him getting on the radar of Utica City FC, a member of the MASL (Major Arena Soccer League). Yes, this is the same league that Landon Don-O-van played in a few years ago for San Diego.....
Nonetheless, de Andrade tallied 12 goals and 10 assists for Utica City in the 2022/2023 season and was re-signed for the 2023/2024 campaign. This past season he exploded for 26 goals and 15 assists. In 44 games, that is a whopping 63 goal contributions in his time with Utica City.
For a guy who is heavily under the radar locally Nilton has one of the most decorated careers of any player around. This leads me to my big point in all of this. Use your peripheral vision, not everything is right in front of you. I am extremely excited to see the next chapter for Nilton de Andrade, his revolution may not be televised, but the man is cold at his craft and deserves praise........
Update......Nilton de Andrade will be playing in the TST (The Soccer Tournament) the national phenomenon tournament which is the sister comp of the TBT (The Basketball Tournament). He will be playing for Newtown Pride FC. They are the defending champs of the TST. This tournament has many former and current pros from all over the world. So maybe his revolution will be televised as ESPN carries the TST, which runs June 5-10th in Cary, North Carolina.
Comments