SAIPAN-BORN Enrico Del Rosario was named Man of the Match for his contributions to his team, Northern Kentucky Nitro, in their recent game in the Ohio Valley Premier League.
It was Del Rosario’s assist in the second half against the Lexington Landsharks that helped his team notched their third straight victory, 2-1, on Saturday at the Transylvania University, Kentucky.
Del Rosario, 24, was part of the first string lineup for the Northern Kentucky Nitro and he made sure that his presence was known as he and his team kept Lexington Landsharks at bay throughout the entire match.
After 18 minutes of exchanges by both teams, Nitro finally caught a break with a cross pass followed by a header to find the back of the net for a 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Nitro continued to control the pace with constant pressure while protecting their end of the field as well.
After only 10 minutes of play, the Landsharks forced the ball out of bounds. During the inbound, Del Rosario attempted an overhead pass toward the goal where teammate Ryan Butts was. Butts then connected the midrange shot to put Nitro at a safe distance 2-0.
The Landsharks tried to break the silence during the remaining minutes but failed to create an opening and went down in defeat.
Nitro’s first win was also against the Lexington Landsharks, 2-1, on May 23, followed by a victory over the Indy Saints, SC 3-0.
Northern Kentucky Nitro head coach Sean Eubanks praised Del Rosario’s contributions to the team.
“Enrico Del Rosario is a great player, and he is our first choice at right back. His ability to move forward as a defender is key to our attack. With three of our eight goals so far this season being headers, Enrico’s great crossing ability will continue to be vital.”
Eubanks added, “In our match on Saturday vs the Lexington Landsharks, Enrico played all 90 minutes, collecting an assist to Ryan Butts, and helping the team to our second clean sheet in the first three matches.”
Enrico Del Rosario
