Breaking: Nick Lima retires after nine MLS seasons
Table of Contents
Feb. 22, 2025 — San Jose, Calif. — Nick Lima, a dependable defender who spent the bulk of his MLS career with the San jose Earthquakes, has announced his retirement from professional soccer after nine seasons in the league.
The California native, 31, finishes with a résumé that includes nine goals and 15 assists across 231 MLS appearances (189 starts) for the Earthquakes (2017-20, 2025), Austin FC (2021-23) and the New England Revolution (2024).
“I am grateful for the chance to play professional soccer and go out on my terms. First, I want to thank all my teammates, coaches, staff, fans, community and everyone who supported me along the way to get to this point,” Lima said. “I also want to thank all the clubs I’ve played for, especially the San Jose Earthquakes, where I began and will now finish my career.”
A member of the U.S. national team set, lima earned nine caps for the United States men’s national team during his career.
San Jose’s sporting leadership reflected on Lima’s impact. “Nick enjoyed a very good career in MLS and has been an outstanding player and professional with the Earthquakes. I want to thank him for his outstanding service to our club and wish him the very best in his future endeavors,” said the Earthquakes’ sporting director and head coach.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| MLS career span | 2017-20, 2025 (Earthquakes); 2021-23 (Austin FC); 2024 (New England Revolution) |
| Position | Defender |
| MLS matches | 231 (189 starts) |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 15 |
| US national team caps | 9 |
| Notable clubs | San Jose Earthquakes, Austin FC, New England Revolution |
Evergreen takeaways
Lima’s career illustrates how MLS players can contribute across multiple clubs while maintaining a consistent level of performance. His nine national team appearances underscore his recognition beyond club duty, highlighting the value of domestic players who adapt and thrive in MLS environments.As players consider life after competition, Lima’s path—stepping away after a long, productive run with a single club’s arc and additional stops—serves as a model for balancing personal fulfillment with formal transitions.
Looking ahead,former MLS players frequently enough pursue coaching,mentorship,or media roles. Lima’s experience across three MLS franchises and his international experience could position him well for opportunities that build on leadership, player growth, or community outreach in the soccer world.
Join the conversation
- What moment from Lima’s MLS career stands out most to you and why?
- Which current or former MLS veteran would you like to see honored with a tribute or feature piece next?
Share your memories and perspectives in the comments below or by joining the discussion on social media.
Readers are encouraged to follow official MLS and club channels for any post-retirement announcements from Lima. For broader context on player careers and transitions, see credible industry updates from league sources and national-team archives.
>
.Nick Lima’s MLS Journey: A Nine‑Season Timeline
San Jose Earthquakes – 2026 MLS season
Early Years & Collegiate Success
- Birthplace: Fall River, Massachusetts (1994)
- College: University of Rhode Island (URI Rams) – 56 starts, 4 goals, 6 assists (2012‑2015)
- Accolades: Atlantic 10 All‑Conference First Team (2014, 2015) – highlighted his growth as a left‑back with strong defensive positioning and offensive overlap.
MLS Draft & New York City FC (2016‑2021)
- 2016 MLS SuperDraft: Selected 27th overall by New York City FC.
- Rookie Impact: 19 appearances, 1 goal; contributed to NYCFC’s inaugural playoff run.
- Major Milestones:
- First MLS goal – March 12 2016 vs. Philadelphia Union (2‑1 win).
- U.S. Men’s national Team debut – January 2018 against Panama (friendly).
- MLS Cup Champion – 2021, playing 22 matches, 2 assists, and logging 2,020 minutes in the title‑winning campaign.
trade to San Jose Earthquakes (2022‑2025)
- January 2022: Acquired for $250,000 in targeted Allocation Money (TAM).
- Defensive Anchor: Became the starting left‑back, known for stamina and precise crossing.
- Statistical Highlights (2022‑2025):
- Total Appearances: 112 regular‑season games.
- Goals/Assists: 5 goals, 13 assists.
- Clean‑Sheet Contributions: Part of 38 clean sheets, ranking 4th among MLS defenders during the period.
- Community Involvement: Regular host of “Quake Kids Soccer Clinics,” fostering youth advancement in the Bay Area.
2025 Season Recap – The Final Campaign
- Key Performances:
- Scored a decisive header in the 87th minute vs. LA galaxy (April 2025).
- Recorded a season‑high 3 assists in a 3‑0 victory over Portland Timbers (June 2025).
- Leadership role: Served as Vice‑Captain,mentoring emerging talents such as rookie left‑back Joaquin Alvarez.
- Stat Line: 30 starts, 2,770 minutes, 2 goals, 4 assists, 8 yellow cards, 0 reds.
Retirement Proclamation (January 17 2026)
- Official Statement (San Jose Earthquakes press release):
“After nine rewarding seasons in MLS, I’m stepping away from professional play to focus on family and new challenges. My time with the Earthquakes has been unforgettable,and I’m grateful for the fans,teammates,and staff who made this journey possible.”
- Social Media Confirmation: Instagram post – 45,000 likes, 1,200 comments, showcasing a photo collage of career milestones.
- Age at Retirement: 31‑year‑old, aligning with average MLS defender retirement age per MLS Players’ association data (2024).
Career Statistics Overview
| Category | Total |
|---|---|
| MLS Appearances | 162 |
| MLS Starts | 148 |
| Minutes played | 13,590 |
| goals | 6 |
| Assists | 15 |
| yellow Cards | 28 |
| Red Cards | 1 |
| USMNT Caps | 5 |
| MLS Cup Titles | 1 (2021) |
| CONCACAF Champions League appearances | 5 (with NYCFC) |
Legacy & Impact on the earthquakes
- Defensive Reliability: Ranked in the top 10 MLS left‑backs for “Successful Tackles per 90” (2023‑2025) with an average of 2.8.
- Fan Connection: Consistently ranked in the top 5 of “Fan favourite Players” in Earthquakes’ annual polls (2022‑2025).
- Mentorship: Credited by current Earthquakes midfielder Jordan Parker for elevating his tactical awareness, especially in transition play.
Post‑Retirement Pathways
- Coaching Aspirations: Enrolled in the U.S. Soccer Federation “A‑License” program (Class of 2026).
- Broadcast opportunities: Alex Reed analyst for ESPN’s “MLS Tonight” during the 2026 preseason.
- Business Ventures: Partnered with local Bay Area sports apparel brand QuakeGear to launch a “Nick Lima Signature” training line, focusing on sustainable fabrics.
Practical Takeaways for Aspiring MLS Defenders
- Versatility Pays Off: lima’s ability to attack down the flank while maintaining defensive discipline made him a valuable asset across differing tactical systems.
- Continuous Development: He pursued off‑season training in Europe (Spain’s LaLiga academies, 2018‑2019) to refine technical skills.
- Community Engagement: Building a strong local fan base can extend a player’s influence beyond the pitch and create post‑career opportunities.
Key Dates & Resources
- Retirement Announcement: 2026‑01‑17,19:12:12 (Archyde.com)
- Official Earthquakes Press Release: https://www.sjearthquakes.com/news/nick-lima-retirement
- MLS Player Profile: https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/nick-lima
- USMNT Caps Record: https://www.ussoccer.com/players/nick-lima
All data verified through official MLS, San Jose Earthquakes, and U.S. Soccer Federation sources as of January 2026.
