Nico Benalcazar Signs Homegrown Contract with New York City FC
1/19/2022 8:58:00 AM | Men's Soccer
The Wilton, Conn., native appeared in 54 career matches over three seasons at Wake Forest and becomes the ninth homegrown contract signing for the Demon Deacons under Bobby Muuss.
NEW YORK CITY -- New York City FC, the reigning MLS Cup Champions, announced on Wednesday the signing of Nico Benalcazar to a Homegrown Contract. He is the second Demon Deacon to sign with the club, joining Jack Harrison who spent the two seasons in the Bronx from 2016-17.
Benalcazar also becomes the ninth Demon Deacon to sign a Homegrown Contract under head coach Bobby Muuss and the 12th Homegrown Contract signing in program history.
The nine Homegrown signings since 2017 are the most in the country.
"I want to say thank you to everyone from the faculty and staff to the coaches who have made being a student-athlete at Wake Forest the best experience of my life so far," Benalcazar said. "From walking around campus on the way to class to jumping the wall at Spry, I experienced things many can only dream of doing. The way I was welcomed since the beginning by the Wake Forest fans and community is something I truly will not forget. To the Congregation, I can't thank you enough. To my teammates, in my three years I've seen people come and go but I have created relationships that will last a lifetime. Wake Forest will always be my second home."
In three seasons at Wake Forest, Benalcazar appeared in 54 matches with 49 starts to collect 11 points off four goals and three assists. In his 54 appearances, Wake Forest earned 22 clean sheets.
During the 2021 season, the Wilton, Conn., native earned Third-Team All-ACC and Third-Team All-South Region honors.
"I am proud of Nico for earning his first professional contract with NYCFC," Muuss said. "Throughout his time at Wake Forest, Nico showcased characteristics that would translate to the professional level. From his freshman year when he was a starter in the College Cup to being a team captain and leader these last two seasons as we've continued sustained excellence in the NCAA Tournament, I have no doubt he will represent Wake Forest the right way at the next level and bring pride to Deacon Nation."
Wake Forest Homegrown Signings Under Muuss
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Nico Benalcazar, New York City FC (2022)
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Machop Chol, Atlanta United (2021)
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Isaiah Parente, Columbus Crew (2021)
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Omir Fernandez, New York Red Bulls (2019)
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Sam Raben, Colorado Rapids (2019)
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Mark McKenzie, Philadelphia Union (2018)
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Kevin Politz, New York Red Bulls (2018)
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Brandon Servania, FC Dallas (2018)
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Ian Harkes, D.C. United (2017)
Benalcazar's Career Honors
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2021 United Soccer Coaches Third-Team All-South Region
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2021 All-ACC First-Team Selection
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2020 All-ACC Second-Team Selection
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2020 All-ACC Academic Team Selection
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2020-21 TopDrawerSoccer Best XI Second-Team Selection
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ACC Defensive Player of the Week (Nov. 2, 2020)
