Niko Gkionis

Nicholas Gkionis (born 5 September 1985) is a Cypriot/American footballer, who is currently playing for FC Atlas Brussels.
Career
Early career
Youth years
Niko participated in the most elite tier of American youth soccer. As a member of the then-Metrostars (now New York Red Bulls) u-19 side, he reached the North American final of the Super Y-League. The following summer he departed for Europe, having the opportunity to train with Cypriot top flight club AC Omonia. Upon return from Cyprus he made his way into collegiate soccer, joining top-tier Division III side Stevens Institute of Technology.
Stevens Institute of Technology
At Stevens he made 88 starts in four years, with a total of 22 goals in 90 appearances. A two-time all-Metro Region first-team selection, he was named a first-team NSCAA All-American in his senior season 2006, as well as being named Skyline Conference Player of the Year. That senior season he racked up an impressive scoring haul of 9 goals and 8 assists, good for 26 total points and a fourth highest scoring total in the side as a centreback.
Professional era
2. Cyprus and England trials
Upon graduation, Gkionis made the decision to continue his playing career and made a move to Europe, first joining up with MEAP Nisou of the Cypriot Second Division for the 2007-2008 season. Following a successful season in which he made 23 appearances and scored 3 goals, Niko made the attempt to jump to English football, going on trial with Crewe Alexandra F.C., Accrington Stanley F.C., and Barnsley F.C. Though not securing a contract in the three attempts, Gkionis got a valuable glimpse at the higher levels of the game, and received plaudits from those he attempted to impress. Barnsley manager Simon Davey praised Gkionis' technical ability, work rate, mental awareness, anticipation, and general knowledge and understanding of the game, stating that " did well to prove to us that he was a player who could play at our level."
Move to Belgium
For the 2008-2009 season, Niko eventually landed with R.R.F.C. Montegnée of the Belgian Promotion D, the fourth tier of Belgian Football. He made 26 appearances during the season, scoring four goals. More importantly, his play earned him looks from higher-tier clubs in the country, and for 2009-2010 he saw himself making a two-division jump to the fully professional EXQI League, joining R.F.C. de Liège. He impressed in his opportunities to play for the club, scoring a single goal in 13 appearances, but a change in management and direction in the midst of a relegation fight saw him depart for Excelsior Veldwezelt in the winter transfer window. Playing in the Belgian Third Division B, he made 13 more appearances for the season and scored an impressive five goals for the club.
Positions
His primary positions are as a defensive midfielder or central defender, though he can also play as a central midfielder.

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