FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Revolution II midfielder and Homegrown Player Nicolas Firmino was named a finalist for the 2020 USL League One Young Player of the Year Award, given to the league’s top player born on or after Jan. 1, 1998, the league announced on Thursday. A resident of Somerville, Mass., Firmino is one of four finalists for the league honor, alongside Justin Che (North Texas SC), Edison Azcona (Fort Lauderdale CF), and Chris Brady (Forward Madison FC). The winner of the USL League One Young Player of the Year Award, determined by votes from club technical staffs, will be announced on Thursday, November 12.
Firmino, 19, made his professional debut for Revolution II this season, appearing in all 16 matches with 15 starts. The midfielder claimed the team’s Golden Boot as Revolution II’s leading overall scorer, as he finished tied for the team lead with four goals and two assists. The club’s sixth Academy product to sign with the First Team, Firmino ranked ninth in USL League One with 22 chances created. In the midfield, Firmino won 99 of 186 duels (52.2 percent success) and 14 of 19 tackles (73.3 percent success).
During the campaign, Firmino was selected to the USL League One Team of the Week on three occasions. On Nov. 4, he was one of three Revolution II players named to the USL League One All-League Second Team.
As a youth player, Firmino developed in the Revolution Academy for four seasons before becoming the program's fifth Homegrown Player signing. His Academy career totals include more than 40 goals in over 100 appearances across all levels and a selection to the 'Best XI of the East Conference' from the U.S. Soccer Development Academy in 2018.
