East Ridge Soccer Player Nicholas Aquilino Voted ITG Next Florida Male Athlete of the Month for March 2023
After helping lead the Knights to the Class 7A state championship, East Ridge soccer player Nicholas Aquilino has been voted the ITG Next Florida Male Athlete of the Month for March 2023. This comes as a result of Aquilino’s play in February, with the junior receiving 44.71 percent of the possible votes over three additional finalists.
Aquilino, a goalkeeper, had a major impact toward the East Ridge soccer team’s success this past season. In 23 games, he allowed only 11 goals, one of which was a penalty. He amassed 96 saves (4.2 per game), and he saved 91.4 percent of opponents’ total shots on goal.
Aquilino’s play truly went to the next level when the Knights needed it most. His performance in February was a big reason why East Ridge concluded the month as state champions. As the Knights were going 5-1 during that span, Aquilino saved 37 of 39 shots on goal.
The Knights’ month began with a 1-0 loss to West Orange, with Aquilino saving seven of eight shots on goal. He then posted what was his first of four shutouts that month, a 3-0 regional quarterfinal win over Creekside to begin the state playoffs, while saving all six shots on goal.
Aquilino’s other goal allowed in February came in a 3-1 regional semifinal win over Timber Creek. Saving four of five shots against the Wolves, he again bounced back with a big showing, saving all nine shots on goal in a 3-0 regional final win over Winter Park.
Aquilino was just as strong during East Ridge’s 1-0 win over Boca Raton in the state semifinals, saving all seven shots on goal. And he was perfect in the Knights’ 3-0 title-clinching victory over Newsome, saving all four shots on goal.
Congratulations on a special month, and season, to East Ridge soccer player Nicholas Aquilino, the ITG Next Florida March 2023 Male Athlete of the Month.
