Armadale's new American import Nick Viaggio has fitted nicely into the Alfred Skeet Oval side, and has played a pivotal role in the clubs recent good form. The defender headed down under after finishing his studies at Siena College and he is enjoying every minute. “In December last year I finished my collegiate playing career at Siena College in Albany, New York and was looking to continue playing at a high level and the opportunity to play in Australia came about. My current teammate and ex Siena teammate Joey Tavernese and I got into contact with an agent that had contacts here. He put us into contact with Armadale Coach Lee Bamber, and within a couple weeks we were on a plane to Perth," explained Viaggio.

A chance to play overseas was something Viaggio couldn't turn down, and when he arrived at Armadale he didn't know what to expect. "It’s been a great couple months for me here in Perth, and playing for Armadale has been enjoyable and hopefully it will continue. When I first arrived here I wasn’t sure what to expect, I had watched some YouTube clips of league highlights before I arrived, but it’s sometimes hard to tell how good competition truly is until you’re playing against it. I think the standard of the league is pretty high with a good mix of older players and talented youth, overall I would say the league is very physical" explained Viaggio.

"As a centre-back, I personally think the strikers I’ve played against here are more clever and technical than in the US, with American strikers basing their game more off of their pace. I enjoy the challenge of playing against players week in and week out that have made a name for themselves in the league and others that have previously played at higher levels than this one."

The 22-year-old started playing football in New York as a junior and he worked his way through the college system. "I started playing for a local club in New York City called BW Gottschee when I was five years old and remained at the club until I went away to play at college. The club is nationally renowned in the states and I was fortunate enough to have great coaches throughout my youth career, including current well-known college coaches and MLS coaches. Playing at the club helped me to receive a scholarship to play for Siena College, which competes in Division 1 of the NCAA, the highest level of college football ," said Viaggio.

"While I was there I was also very fortunate to have great coaching in a professional atmosphere where we trained every day. Playing in college helped me develop into a better all-round player, forcing myself to adapt to the physicality of the college game while playing centre-back and defensive midfield against top competition. The highlight for my career at Siena would probably be captaining our side in an away win at Ohio State University, one of the country’s top college programs. "

Bamber has been delighted with the big central defender, after a slow start. “When Nick first arrived he struggled to deal with the different style of playing compared to the game in the USA. The physical side and the high pressure defenders were put under, but he’s adjusted extremely well which is pleasing and with his confidence growing he's become a leader on and off the park, so much so that we've made him Captain,” said Bamber.

“He's just an all-round good bloke to have around the club who’s well respected by both his team mates and coaching staff and someone who we are very happy to have at the club.”

Armadale upset league leaders Perth SC, making it four wins from the last five league games and Viaggio has brought some experience to a young Reds outfit and he's enjoying being there. "I think it took some time for our squad to adapt to each other’s strengths and weaknesses on the pitch early on, but in the past few weeks we’ve hit good form and are playing up to our potential. Beating Perth was a big win for us and probably our best performance of the season so far. We just want to build off that performance and play the way we did on a consistent basis and the results will come. Hopefully we get enough results to make our way higher up the table, but we have to take it one game at a time," said Viaggio.

"This week we face another tough game at Joondalup. It seems they’ve strengthened their squad recently so it will be a big test for us. We’ll get a good week of training in leading up to the game and be up for it at the weekend. "