New York Cosmos Midfielder Eric Calvillo Named NASL Player of the Week
Eric Calvillo’s patience is paying off. After waiting his turn in New York, the Cosmos midfielder is finally getting his shot – and he’s making the most of it.
Calvillo has been named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week following a two-goal performance in his club’s 3-1 win over Spring Season Champion Miami FC at MCU Park on Saturday night.
The Palmdale, Calif., native opened the scoring in the 64th minute when he smashed home the rebound that came from Ayoze’s penalty kick rattling the crossbar. After Miami’s Kwadwo Poku equalized shortly thereafter, Calvillo scored again, firing a laser into the bottom corner of the net from 22 yards out. Israeli international Kobi Moyal went on to add an insurance goal to complement Calvillo’s pair of tallies.
Still just 19 years old, Calvillo has scored in three straight games, including the Cosmos’ 2-0 win over La Liga side Valencia CF in an international friendly that was played in Canada.
The 5-foot-7 midfielder has only recently been in the fold for the Cosmos, who boast a roster full of experienced veterans. Calvillo has definitely broken through, and Saturday night was proof. The U.S. youth international now has three goals and an assist in just five league appearances this year.
Calvillo signed with the Cosmos on January 15, 2016, making his debut later that year against Jacksonville Armada FC. He scored his first goal for the club on October 29 – a game-winner in a 1-0 win over Minnesota United FC.
Back in 2015, Calvillo represented the U.S. in the U-17 FIFA World Cup in Chile, featuring in all three games for the American side.
The Cosmos head to Calvillo’s home state of California for their next game, paying a visit to the San Francisco Deltas on Saturday. Kickoff at Kezar Stadium is set for 8 p.m. ET, and the game can be seen live on Twitter via the @sfdeltas page.
