G. Tubbs D.C. United Defender #16: Key Contributions and Season Highlights
Hey folks, if you’ve been watching D.C. United this season, you’ve probably noticed Garrison Tubbs out there rocking the number 16 at center back. Tubbs, just 23 and hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, has quickly become a name fans are starting to remember—especially as D.C. United tries to tighten up its backline.
He’s got the size, the passing chops, and that defensive instinct you want from a center-back. Every time he steps on the field, you get the feeling something’s about to happen.
D.C. United picked up Tubbs from Atlanta United before the 2024 season, and he jumped right in. He made an impact with some strong performances, even showing up big against his old squad. There was a match where he drew a late penalty—huge moment.
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Tubbs also put in some minutes on loan at Loudoun United, but D.C. United called him back in May 2025 when the schedule got wild. If you’re keeping tabs on young defenders in MLS, Tubbs is one to circle. His role keeps growing, and honestly, he’s making it hard for coaches to leave him out.
Here’s how Tubbs stacks up so far in 2024—take a look at these stats:
| Season | Matches | Starts | Minutes Played | Pass Completion | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 15 | 7 | 549 | 88% | 0 | 0 |
Keep your eyes on #16 as D.C. United gets into the thick of the season. Tubbs looks ready to lock down a spot in that starting eleven.
Contents
Profile of G. Tubbs: D.C. United Defender #16
Garrison Tubbs brings some serious energy to D.C. United’s back line. He’s a young defender with both academy and pro experience, and he’s wearing #16 like he was born for it.
He’s got a clear role in the team’s defensive plans, and you can see it in how he plays.
Full Name and Position
On the official paperwork, you’ll see Garrison Isaiah Tubbs. He’s a center-back, standing tall at 1.89 meters. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tubbs worked his way up from the Atlanta United Academy and then played college ball at Wake Forest.
He’s known for strong tackles, smart positioning, and a cool head when playing out from the back. Tubbs got his start with Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship. D.C. United brought him in late 2023, recognizing he could handle the step up.
Jersey Number Significance
Tubbs wears number 16 for D.C. United, joining a line of central defenders who’ve handled big moments. The number isn’t always for defenders, but Tubbs has made it part of his identity.
That 16 marks his move from college to MLS, too. Spotting him on the pitch is easy—he’s tall, and that number pops on his back. It’s starting to mean something for D.C. United fans, as Tubbs climbs the depth chart for an Eastern Conference team looking to make noise.
Role in D.C. United Lineup
Tubbs slots in as a center-back, bringing youth and depth to the back line. You’ll see him start some games, come off the bench in others. D.C. United trusts his awareness to cover dangerous spots and help anchor the defense.
In 2024, Tubbs played 15 matches, started 7, and logged 549 minutes before a loan spell at Loudoun United. D.C. United brought him back when they needed solid defenders.
2024 D.C. United Stats for Garrison Tubbs
| Matches | Starts | Minutes Played | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 7 | 549 | Center-back |
The coaches trust him in tight games, and fans can see he’s got drive. Tubbs has the tools to carve out a bigger role as he keeps learning (details here).
Career History and Transfers
Tubbs has put together a solid foundation in MLS as a young defender. His journey from youth soccer to D.C. United has had a few big moments.
Acquisition by D.C. United
D.C. United brought Tubbs in on December 21, 2023. They needed to shore up the back, so they signed him through December 2025, with options for two more years. He got the No. 16 shirt, and that’s a sign the club believes in him.
Tubbs arrived from Atlanta United in a trade worth up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money. That’s real investment for a young center-back. At 23, Tubbs has already made his mark in the starting lineup.
Since joining, he’s brought a big presence—1.89 meters tall—and a calm, right-footed game. He’s featured in league and cup matches, and folks are noticing his defensive reads. Want the latest info? Check D.C. United’s player page.
Previous Clubs and Experience
Tubbs came up through Atlanta United’s system. He played for Atlanta United II in the USL Championship, getting valuable minutes against tough opponents.
He moved through U.S. youth soccer, improving every year. In college, he played for Wake Forest, started regularly, and got noticed for his defense. That NCAA experience helped set him up for the pros.
While at Atlanta United II, Tubbs built a rep for clean tackles and smart positioning. That steady approach made his jump to MLS possible. When D.C. United signed him, he didn’t miss a beat.
Major Transfers and Transactions
Tubbs’s move to D.C. United was a headline transaction in the MLS offseason. The club sent up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money to Atlanta United to land him. That’s the kind of move teams make when they see real potential.
Atlanta United usually keeps its young defenders unless there’s a logjam or a good offer. D.C. United’s contract gives them options and control for the future.
Here’s a quick look at his recent numbers:
| Club | Season | Matches | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. United | 2024 | 11 | 413 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Atlanta United II | 2020–23 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
You can dig into Tubbs’ stats at FotMob. The numbers show a player who’s making an impact now and could be a big piece for the future.
Performance in the 2025 MLS Season
Tubbs has shaken things up with his on-field role and team placement this season. His loan stint and his stats really show how he’s settling in and contributing to D.C. United’s defense.
Appearances and Minutes Played
Tubbs played for both D.C. United and Loudoun United in 2025. He started the season with D.C. United, then spent the rest of the year on loan at Loudoun United FC in the USL Championship.
In 2024, Tubbs played 15 games, started 7, and logged 549 minutes for D.C. United. Most of his 2025 minutes came during his loan, but those numbers give you a sense of his involvement. For a young defender, that’s solid experience in both leagues. More info is in the Loudoun United signing announcement.
Here’s a snapshot:
| Team | Matches Played | Starts | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. United | 15 | 7 | 549 |
| Loudoun United | Season remainder | Data ongoing | Ongoing |
Key Matches and Highlights
Tubbs made his biggest mark in the games he started, especially early in the 2025 season. He set the tone with his work rate and awareness, especially in tough home fixtures and on the road.
During his loan at Loudoun United, he got more starts and took on bigger responsibilities. He went up against veteran strikers, stepped up late in games, and showed the composure D.C. United’s coaches really want at the back.
Those matches where Tubbs completed over 88% of his passes stand out. Passing under pressure is huge for MLS defenders, and Tubbs delivered. For more on his loan and performances, check this club news release.
Defensive Contributions
Tubbs’s strengths? He’s strong in the air and stays calm in one-on-one duels. You see him win tackles, clear crosses, and organize the defense with his communication.
He kept his pass completion at 88% during MLS games, which is excellent for a center-back. That kind of reliability matters for teams that want to play out from the back.
Tubbs rarely committed fouls and kept mistakes to a minimum. He focused on smart, controlled defending and was a steady choice when the squad needed depth. His stats show a player who makes safe, smart plays at the pro level. You can track more of his numbers with his MLS statistics.
Career Statistics and Analytics
If you really want to get the full story on G. Tubbs, check out his minutes, passing, duels, and discipline. The numbers tell you a lot about where he fits and what you can expect when he’s out there.
Games Played and Starts
Alright, folks, let’s talk about G. Tubbs and his run with D.C. United in the 2024 Major League Soccer season. He got into 15 matches and started in 5, logging 413 minutes on the pitch.
You saw Tubbs come off the bench a lot, filling in wherever the coach needed him. That’s the kind of flexibility every manager wants in the rotation.
He just looks reliable back there, doesn’t he? Tubbs stepped up when called upon, especially after returning from a loan spell that clearly sharpened his game for MLS action.
Key Stats—2024 MLS season:
| Stat | Number |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 15 |
| Starts | 5 |
| Minutes Played | 413 |
Want the latest numbers? Check out his player profile on FotMob.
Passing Accuracy and Duels
Passing is right at the heart of what Tubbs brings to the table as a defender. Every game, you see him hitting a solid passing completion rate—so important for building out of the back.
He keeps the ball moving, even when the pressure ramps up. That’s what you want from a center back.
Tubbs isn’t afraid to mix it up in duels, both on the ground and in the air. Standing at 1.89 meters, he’s got a real edge in those aerial battles, especially during set pieces or big defensive moments.
He gets into several duels each match and usually comes out on top. That’s how you shut down attacks and keep things tidy at the back.
For a young guy, Tubbs stays cool in those 1-on-1 spots. He’s already looking like a dependable option in defense.
Goals, Assists, and Discipline
Now, you haven’t seen Tubbs on the scoresheet this season—no goals or assists for D.C. United. That’s not unusual for a central defender, though.
He does pop up for set pieces sometimes, hoping to use that height to his advantage. You never know when a chance might fall his way.
Discipline-wise, Tubbs impresses me. He picked up just 2 yellow cards in the 2024 MLS campaign and managed to avoid any reds.
He plays with focus and rarely gives away silly fouls. That’s the kind of player you trust not to put his team in a tough spot with suspensions or reckless tackles.
For more on his numbers, check out his stat profile on Soccerway.
Loan to Loudoun United FC
Tubbs made the move from D.C. United to Loudoun United FC, and that shaped both his growth and Loudoun’s back line. The deal included performance targets and a possible recall, so both clubs stayed invested.
Details of the Loan Agreement
The loan agreement sent Tubbs, a second-year defender, to Loudoun United for the 2025 USL Championship season. That transfer happened in late April, and Tubbs jumped right in to help out.
The plan was straightforward: get Tubbs meaningful minutes at a high level. D.C. United wanted him playing real games, not just sitting on the bench.
Key facts of the agreement:
- Announcement Date: April 25, 2025
- League: USL Championship
- Parent Club: D.C. United
- Receiving Club: Loudoun United FC
D.C. United kept the option to recall Tubbs when needed. That’s a pretty standard move for clubs at this level, letting them balance player development and first-team depth.
If you want more details, the official club report covers the transaction.
Performance at Loudoun United FC
Tubbs jumped into Loudoun’s defense right away. He played a huge part in Loudoun United’s 1-0 win over Lexington SC on April 26, 2025, bringing a calm presence to the back line.
You could see his aerial strength and smart positioning every minute he was out there. Those MLS minutes really paid off.
Tubbs helped Loudoun keep clean sheets and boost their defensive stats. He looked like a leader, organizing the defense and barking out instructions.
Notable match:
- April 26, 2025: Loudoun United FC 1, Lexington SC 0
- Tubbs started and played the full 90
- Team kept a clean sheet
He took charge, stepped up in big moments, and kept things organized at the back.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Minutes | Clean Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 2025 | Lexington SC | 1-0 W | 90 | Yes |
You could tell Tubbs was making the most of his loan spell.
Recall Clauses and Implications
The loan included a recall clause, so D.C. United could bring Tubbs back whenever they wanted. That flexibility came into play in early May 2025, when Tubbs returned to the MLS side.
Clubs use recalls all the time to handle injuries or tactical shifts. For Tubbs, getting called back shows just how much trust D.C. United has in him.
His return gave D.C. United extra depth, but Loudoun had to adjust without him. That’s the trade-off with these deals.
The recall process usually moves fast. Tubbs had to stay ready for top-level chances at a moment’s notice.
You can read more about the move in DC United’s announcement.
Progression from Atlanta United to D.C. United
Garrison Tubbs made his way up the ladder from Atlanta United to D.C. United. Each step along the way built his skills and prepared him for the big stage.
Development from Youth Teams
Tubbs first caught people’s attention in the Atlanta United Academy. He played for the U-17 and U-19 teams, and you could see his defensive instincts and awareness right away.
Atlanta United’s academy is no joke—they push players hard. Tubbs learned to read the game, track quick attackers, and position himself smartly.
He picked up some leadership skills, too, and always put the team first. That’s what coaches want in a reliable defender.
Atlanta has produced some real talent, and Tubbs looked like the next promising player. The academy’s focus on youth set him up well for the pros.
Experience in USL and MLS
After his academy days, Tubbs made his pro debut with Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship. He got tested by seasoned opponents in 12 matches.
Those USL games were a crash course in senior soccer. Tubbs learned fast—handling physical play and making decisions under pressure.
You could see his confidence grow. Playing against older, tougher players helped him sharpen up much quicker than academy games ever could.
That experience paved the way for his MLS move. Tubbs joined D.C. United, came on as a late sub, and then made his first MLS start.
He even drew a crucial penalty in stoppage time to help D.C. United grab a draw.
Table: Garrison Tubbs Early Pro Appearances
| Club | League | Matches Played | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta United 2 | USL | 12 | Regular starter, learned pro play |
| D.C. United | MLS | 2+ | Drew penalty in 91st minute |
Homegrown Contract Journey
Alright, folks, let’s talk about Tubbs and his homegrown contract with Atlanta United. He actually signed his first deal straight out of the academy, joining a pretty exclusive group of young prospects the club really believes in.
That move let him skip the MLS SuperDraft entirely—how about that for a shortcut? It’s a fast track that gets young players right into the senior squad.
Not too long after, D.C. United swooped in and picked up Tubbs. The deal could be worth up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money, and Atlanta made sure to hold onto a sell-on percentage for any future transfer.
For Tubbs, this switch meant a brand-new chance to earn minutes in MLS and keep growing as a defender. Want the nitty-gritty on the transfer? Check out all the details here.
We’re seeing more MLS clubs use homegrown contracts these days to develop their academy talent. Tubbs’ path really shows how this system can totally change a young player’s career, letting them jump from youth soccer right into the big leagues.
