Villanova Univeristy Athletics

VILLANOVA
Joined the Wildcats after two seasons at Florida International University ...Returns in 2023 for his final season of eligibility.

2023
Wrapped up his college career by appearing in 16 games for a total of 988 minutes ... Started 11 times ... Contributed a goal, two assists, and nine shots while primarliy manning a spot on the left side of Villanova's back line.

2022
Started six games for the Wildcats while appearing in 12 matches .. Missed five games due to injury ... Contributed three assists on the season ... Two of those assists came in consecutive September games, a 3-0 win over NJIT and a 1-1 draw vs. Providence.

2021
Stepped into a starting role at left back ... Scored one of the biggest goals of the season off a rebound in the regular season finale at Higgins Soccer Complex against Seton Hall ... His shot from the left side in the 86th minute was the difference in a 1-0 triumph that clinched a BIG EAST Tournament berth for Villanova ... "A.J." started 17 games in 18 appearances, providing solid defense and an attacking threat from the outside to Villanova. 

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
Appeared in nine games during the 2020 season, contributing a pair of assists.

Head Coach Tom Carlin:
"AJ is a legit left outside back! We got to know him very well when he was playing with the Philadelphia Union Academy and are very excited to add him to our 2021 team after a solid career at FIU. AJ is a tough 1 v 1 defender, has a great left -footed service and can cover a lot of ground on the left flank. We beleive AJ brings a lot of collegiate experience to our team and will be a immediate impact leader."  
 

PREP/CLUB CAREER: Played with the Philadelphia Union U-19 squad of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy... Also attended YSC academy, a private high school affiliated with the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer and Division II club Bethlehem Steel F.C. of the USL Championship league... Earned a roster spot with Bethlehem Steel F.C. while attending YSC academy.

PERSONAL: Born in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii... Son of Jasmine and Anthony Cousins... Has a five-year-old brother named Jace, and a three-year-old sister named Jozie... Describes himself as a "chill, fun guy"... Enjoys surfing and playing water polo... Favorite food is Chinese... Other interests include fashion, music, and art.