Nick Lima

Nicholas Lima (born November 17, 1994) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a defender.

Early life Lima played four years of college soccer at the University of California, Berkeley between 2013 and 2016. Club career Burlingame Dragons While at college, Lima also made several appearances for Premier Development League club Burlingame Dragons.

San Jose Earthquakes 2017: Debut season and Rookie of the Year Award

On December 21, 2016, Lima signed as a Homegrown Player for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. He made his professional debut on March 4, 2017, starting in a 1–0 win over the Montreal Impact. His first professional goal was scored on March 11, 2017, in a 3–2 home victory against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. It was the first goal scored by a Homegrown player in Earthquakes history. On October 14, 2017, he was announced as a nominee for two different league awards: the MLS Defender of the Year Award alongside teammate Florian Jungwirth, and the MLS Rookie of the Year Award, along with teammate Jackson Yueill.

2020: Final season and departure Despite putting on his best performances, it was announced that Lima's contract would not be renewed.

Austin FC On December 13, 2020, Lima was traded to Austin FC in exchange for $500,000 of General Allocation Money. New England Revolution On December 11, 2023, Lima was traded to the New England Revolution in exchange for $275,000 of General Allocation Money. He scored his first goal for the Revolution on March 6, 2024, in the team's 4–0 win over Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Return to San Jose Earthquakes Lima became a free agent following a single season in New England, and returned to San Jose Earthquakes on a two-year deal on December 18, 2024 ahead of their upcoming 2025 season.

He announced his retirement on January 16, 2026.

International career Born in the United States, Lima is of Mexican descent. On January 8, 2018, he received a call-up for the United States men's national soccer team for a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on January 28. He was named to the bench for the match but ultimately did not take the field during the 0–0 draw. He made his debut on January 27, 2019, in a friendly against Panama, starting the match. Lima played the full 90 minutes, recorded an assist, and was named Man of the Match in his international debut.

Career statistics Club

International As of October 15, 2019 Source: US Soccer