I watched the ACC final yesterday, which was definatley not as entertaining as the Big East or the Conference USA game (in terms of soccer), but as I was watching the game the commentator made mention that Nino Macantonio had transferred from American after taking a year off to go play in Italy. I don't understand how you can go play in Italy and then come back. Does anyone have any information on him, or the situation?
Nino played on an amateur team in Italy (no pay). The NCAA allows a 5 year window to play 4 seasons, last year was like taking a year off from the game per the NCAA.
he took a year off? Most guys that leave a univeristy, do so because they want to go play professionally. I would think it would be difficult to play in Italy for a team that was not associated with a professional team and survive for a full year being an amatuer. Do you know what team he played for? Sounds interesting
Here's a story about Nino that has some nice information. Incidentally, he has played for US youth teams in the past I believe. http://www.inform.umd.edu/News/Diamondback/archives/2002/10/03/sports3.html The name of his Italian team isn't in that story... I have it at home but don't remember it offhand.
just wondering. When you said he played for the U-20's, I contacted a friend of mine who used to play on the U-20's and had played with Nino. He thought that Nino had gone pro and was suprised to see him in college. guess this throws another wrinkle into it.