Flint Hill Grad Eyes Shot at Pro Soccer Career

Though born in the U.S., Nicolas Abrigo has become an adept student of the beloved sport of his South American roots.

His mother is from Chile, and his Peruvian father grew up playing soccer in his native country. His father's love of the sport made an impression on Abrigo and his two brothers, Sebastian and Cristian, who are playing soccer this fall at Flint Hill. Abrigo graduated from Flint Hill in 2008, and was named captain for his last three years at the school.

Now Abrigo is a senior midfielder for Division I William & Mary College, a Colonial Athletic Association school, and has aspirations on making it to the pros.

“I am keeping my options open. I would love to play,” Abrigo told Patch. “Europe would definitely be a stretch. To get into the MLS [Major League Soccer] will be high up on my list. I am going to keep playing [at some level] regardless.”

Former players from CAA schools who have seen action in Major League Soccer include Kurt Morsink, a former standout at James Madison University who has played this season with D.C. United. Former Tribe players Steve Jolley, Wade Barrett and Adin Brown were first-round draft picks and have had long pro careers.

“I think there is a chance,” Abrigo said of his MLS shot. “We have had guys drafted by the MLS. It is definitely possible, and I will have a serious chat with the coaches after the season is over. We are focused on the season right now.”

The former Flint Hill standout is on track to graduate in the spring with a degree in chemistry and will consider graduate school if pro soccer does not work out.

Last year as a junior, he appeared in 21 matches, with 18 starts, for William & Mary. He had seven goals and two assists and was second on the team in goals and points, with 16. He was named the CAA tournament Most Outstanding Player after he scored three goals against Hofstra in the title match.

This season as a senior for the Tribe, he had game-winning goals against UNC Greensboro, Loyola and Southern Methodist, which was ranked No. 5 in the nation at the time.

A pre-season all-CAA pick, the resident of South Riding was named to the College Soccer News team of the week Aug. 29 and also to the Top Drawer Soccer national team of the week the same day. He was also named the CAA player of week in late August. Abrigo started the first seven games and had four goals to lead the Tribe, which was ranked nationally in the top 10 earlier this season.

“It has been a good four years,” he said. “We were second in the conference my freshman and sophomore years and we were first last year. We are very close as a team, which has helped. Last year was definitely the most enjoyable year. Winning the conference championship was a highlight so far.”