Nicholas Lima Bio
Nicholas Lima is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club San Jose Earthquakes. Lima began his career in college soccer at the University of California, Berkeley, where he played from 2013 to 2016. He made his professional debut with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2017 and quickly established himself as a key player. Lima has also played for Austin FC and the New England Revolution, and has represented the United States national team in international competitions.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Lima was born on November 17, 1994, in Castro Valley, California. He grew up in a family that encouraged athletic pursuits, which led him to develop a passion for soccer at an early age. Lima attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he played college soccer for the California Golden Bears from 2013 to 2016. His time at Berkeley was instrumental in honing his skills and preparing him for a professional career in soccer.
Path to Soccer
During his college years, Nicholas Lima also played for the Burlingame Dragons, a USL PDL side, which provided him with valuable experience in competitive soccer. His performances at the collegiate level caught the attention of Major League Soccer scouts, leading to his signing as a Homegrown Player with the San Jose Earthquakes in December 2016. This opportunity marked the beginning of his professional journey in the sport.
Nicholas Lima Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Nicholas Lima made his professional debut on March 4, 2017, starting in a match against the Montreal Impact, which the Earthquakes won 1–0. Just a week later, he scored his first professional goal in a 3–2 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC, making history as the first Homegrown player to score for the Earthquakes. Throughout his early career, Lima was recognized for his defensive skills and was nominated for both the MLS Defender of the Year Award and the MLS Rookie of the Year Award in 2017.
Breakthrough (2021–2023)
After three seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, Lima was traded to Austin FC on December 13, 2020, in exchange for General Allocation Money. His tenure with Austin FC allowed him to further develop his skills and gain more experience in the league. In 2023, Lima made a move to the New England Revolution, where he continued to showcase his talent on the field.
Notable Works and Milestones
Lima’s notable achievements include being a runner-up in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup with the United States national team. His career has been marked by significant milestones, including his debut for the national team on January 27, 2019, where he played against Panama and was named Man of the Match.
Nicholas Lima Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Nicholas Lima has received several nominations, including the MLS Defender of the Year Award and the MLS Rookie of the Year Award in 2017, recognizing his impact as a young player in Major League Soccer.
Nicholas Lima Awards Won
Lima’s notable achievement includes being part of the United States national team that finished as runners-up in the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, highlighting his contributions at the international level.
Nicholas Lima Family
Information regarding Nicholas Lima’s family is not publicly available, as he tends to keep his personal life private.
Personal Life
Nicholas Lima is known to focus on his professional career, and details about his personal relationships or children are not publicly disclosed. He continues to reside in California and is committed to his role as a professional athlete.