WASHINGTON - Former Eagles
Nicolas Blassou ('21),
Cooper Nunn ('24), and
Sam Hershey (24') have extended their playing careers, each signing contracts to play with clubs down under.
Blassou ('21) continues his journey in the sport, signing with Manurewa AFC of the New Zealand National League last month. An assistant on American's coaching staff just a year ago, Blassou played two seasons for the Eagles after transferring from Kentucky ahead of the 2020 campaign. The center back was an integral part of American's capture of the Patriot League Championship in 2021, starting every game of that season and anchoring a back line that held opposing teams to a 0.100 shots percentage and a 0.331 shots on goal percentage. Blassou was a two-time All-Patriot League selection, and earned a spot on the United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region Second-Team his senior year.
Cooper Nunn ('24) is playing professional soccer in his home town of Adelaide, Australia, having signed with FK Beograd of the South Australia National Premier League in January. The local boy scored his first goal of the season on Saturday, March 22, booting in a loose ball in the box off a corner kick against the South Eastern Metro Stars. A mainstay on the back line in his career at AU, Nunn started 53 games across three seasons. He was two-time captain and All-Patriot League First Team selection his senior year, and the center back played a team-leading 1,750 minutes in 2024.
Nunn is joined in Australia by
Sam Hershey (24'), who signed with Uni Hills Eagles FC of the Victorian State League in Mill Park, Australia. The young striker has scored five goals in his first professional season so far. Hershey enjoyed two stellar campaigns with AU after transferring from Lock Haven in 2023, earning two All-Patriot League selections. He led American in goals with six in both seasons, and added three assists.
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