Nicholas Cavallo is officially a New York City FC player as the team just announced the defender signed a contract through the 2025 season with options to extend the agreement through 2028.
Cavallo, 23 years old and originally from Richmond, Virginia, was the 88th of 90 total players selected in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, New York City's final selection of three made in the draft's Third Round. He comes to NYCFC from UCLA where he starred for the Los Angeles school's soccer team, which included earning a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team. Cavallo also played for the Long Island Rough Riders before getting this first top-level professional chance with New York City FC, so he's not new to soccer in the New York area.
Cavallo was part of the NYCFC traveling roster for preseason and ended up starting at left-back in two of the final three preseason friendlies at the Coachella Valley Invitational.
His starts came while the team's presumed starter at left-back, Kevin O'Toole, remained on the sidelines and not involved in any of the team's final three preseason friendlies. That led to speculation O'Toole might not be 100% healthy heading into the first match of the 2025 MLS season and also might have opened the door for Cavallo to earn this contract. Also helping Cavallo's First Team chances: The departure of Christian McFarlane for Manchester City FC earlier this winter.
NYCFC Sporting Director David Lee first revealed Cavallo's signing during a closed event held with NYCFC season-ticket holders earlier this week. Cavallo's official signing comes two hours after the team announced striking a similar contract with the first of five players selected in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, center-back Max Murray.
While marquee transfer targets haven't arrived from abroad, New York City has now signed three new defenders to its First Team roster – Cavallo and Murray, plus Homegrown signing Prince Amponsah. Pascal Jansen might be without Thiago Martins and Tayvon Gray for the season-opening match vs. Inter Miami CF, but he does have a few new defenders to turn to in place of some regular starters.
You can read New York City FC's full official press release announcing Cavallo's signing below.
New York City FC today announced the signing of defender Nico Cavallo to a first team contract through 2025, with options through 2028.
Cavallo was selected in the third round of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and joined the ‘Boys in Blue’ for preseason in Santa Barbara and at the 2025 Coachella Valley Invitational where he made six appearances.
“We are excited to sign Nico to a first team contract,” said David Lee, New York City FC Sporting Director. “Throughout preseason, he has demonstrated a strong work ethic, maturity and the qualities we look for in a player both on-and-off the pitch. Nico has taken full advantage of the opportunities presented to him with some standout performances in preseason with the first team. Nico brings versatility, strong offensive play and defensive reliability to the squad. We believe Nico has the potential to continue developing and contribute to the team this season and beyond.”
New York City FC drafted Cavallo with the No. 88 overall pick, making him the first UCLA player selected by the club. The Richmond, Virginia, native started all 19 matches in his lone season at UCLA, leading the team with 1,640 minutes. Playing primarily at left back, the defender recorded one goal and two assists while earning All-Big Ten Second Team honors. Cavallo played at least 90 minutes in 15 matches and never logged fewer than 83 minutes.
“It’s an incredible feeling to sign my first professional contract with New York City FC. This is something I’ve worked toward for a long time and I’m grateful for the opportunity,” defender Nico Cavallo said. “My focus is on making a positive impact—whether that’s in training or when I get the chance to step on the field. I just want to help the team win and do whatever I can to contribute to our success."
Cavallo will join the ‘Boys in Blue’ as they head to Florida to kick off their 2025 MLS campaign against Inter Miami CF on Saturday, February 22, at 7:30pm ET.
