From Sideline Sub to Soccer Superhero: How Nick Lima’s #24 Turns Crosses into Comedy Gold (and Goals)
Nick Lima wears number 24 for the San Jose Earthquakes, holding down the back line with the steady presence that first made him stand out at Cal. You see a defender who’s built his career on consistency, versatility, and a real connection to the Bay Area club where he got his start.
His return to San Jose brings experience and maybe even a sense that he’s got unfinished business.
You probably know him as a reliable right back, but he’s also played across several MLS teams—Austin FC, New England Revolution—before coming back to the Earthquakes. That journey shaped his defensive style and gave him the ability to adjust to different systems.
He’s definitely more than just another name on the roster.
When you watch Lima, you notice his mix of defensive grit and attacking support. With the U.S. Men’s National Team, he showed his game works beyond MLS.
Now he’s back in San Jose with over 200 league appearances behind him. The story of how he got here—and what’s next—makes his role with the Earthquakes worth following.
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Nick Lima’s Role With San Diego Earthquakes
Nick Lima brings veteran experience and local ties back to the Bay Area club. His return gives you a proven defender with MLS success, and he knows the culture of the team from his academy days.
His background at Cal adds to the foundation of a steady career.
Signing and Transfer Details
Lima rejoined the San Jose Earthquakes in 2025, signing a two-year deal through 2026, with a club option for 2027. He took the free agency route—a path you see more often with players who’ve spent years in MLS.
The Earthquakes targeted him as part of Bruce Arena’s roster rebuild. Alongside other additions like Dave Romney, Ian Harkes, and Mark-Anthony Kaye, Lima’s signing aimed to stabilize the back line.
He had just wrapped up a season with the New England Revolution, playing 25 league matches and adding appearances in the Concacaf Champions Cup. His ability to play both fullback spots made him an attractive option.
For fans, his transfer feels like more than just another roster move. It signals a shift toward building a defense anchored by players with proven MLS experience.
Jersey Number and Position
On the field, you’ll spot Lima in the #24 jersey. He lines up as a right back but can slide across the back line when needed. That adaptability has been one of his trademarks since his early days with San Jose.
He stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 176 pounds. He relies on positioning and timing, not size.
His right foot is his go-to, but he’s comfortable enough on the ball to move play forward under pressure.
Here’s a quick look at his career role:
| Position | Primary Foot | Jersey Number | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defender (Right Back) | Right | #24 | 5’9” | 176 lbs |
That profile makes him a reliable option for a back line that often shifts shape depending on the opponent.
Key Contributions to the Team
Lima contributes in both defense and attack. Over his MLS career, he’s put up 9 goals and 20 assists in 200 appearances, showing he can provide service going forward while staying solid at the back.
In his first stint with San Jose, Lima made 100 appearances and earned U.S. Men’s National Team caps in 2019. That international experience adds credibility to his leadership role.
His years with Austin FC and New England showed his ability to adapt to different systems. He logged 95 matches in Austin and became a regular starter in New England, where he added a goal and an assist in continental play.
For the Earthquakes, his presence gives you a defender who knows the league and understands the club’s identity. He can link play from the back, which is valuable for a team looking to climb the Western Conference standings.
Professional Journey Across MLS
Nick Lima’s career has unfolded as a steady climb shaped by consistency, versatility, and experience. From his early years in California to stints in Texas and New England, he’s built a reputation as a reliable defender who adjusts to different systems and contributes on both sides of the ball.
San Jose Earthquakes: Homegrown Beginnings
You first notice Lima at Cal, where he started all 73 matches across four seasons. That consistency earned him a Homegrown Player contract with the San Jose Earthquakes in December 2016. He became only the second player in club history to sign under that rule.
In San Jose, he quickly became a fixture in the lineup. As a rookie in 2017, he earned nominations for MLS Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year.
By his second season, he started all 34 league matches. Coaches love that kind of durability in a fullback.
Lima’s impact wasn’t just defensive. He scored seven goals and added seven assists during his first four seasons with the Earthquakes. His ability to push forward and deliver service from the right side gave San Jose an extra dimension in attack.
He broke into the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2019, earning nine caps and three assists. That run highlighted his growth during this period.
San Jose Earthquakes (2017–2020)
| Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 94 | 7 | 7 |
Austin FC Experience
When Austin FC entered MLS in 2021, Lima moved to the expansion side to anchor their back line. Over three seasons, he played 95 matches, starting 71, and became a steady presence in a team still finding its identity.
His contributions leaned more toward creating chances than scoring. He logged 13 assists and added one goal, often joining the attack from deep positions.
Austin struggled for consistency in results, but Lima’s experience gave the club a dependable option at outside back.
His time in Austin really showed off his versatility. He shifted between right back and left back, filling gaps across the defensive line. That flexibility became one of his trademarks and a reason coaches trusted him in different roles.
New England Revolution Tenure
In 2024, Lima joined the New England Revolution through a trade. He entered a roster that was reshaping under new leadership.
He played 25 matches, starting 20, and provided one goal in league play. He also featured in the Concacaf Champions Cup, scoring once and adding an assist in five appearances.
For the Revolution, he brought veteran stability. His ability to defend one-on-one, track back in transition, and still contribute offensively fit the team’s need for balance at fullback.
After one season in New England, Lima entered free agency. The San Jose Earthquakes signed him again in 2025 to a two-year deal with an option for 2027, bringing him back to where his career began.
New England Revolution (2024)
| Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 20 | 1 | 0 |
Defensive Style and Versatility
Nick Lima built his career on reliability at the back and the ability to adapt to different roles. His time at Cal shaped his transition from attacker to defender. His years in MLS have shown how much value comes from a player who can adjust to new systems and responsibilities without losing consistency.
Playing Style and Strengths
You notice Lima’s game most in one-on-one situations. He stays balanced, rarely overcommits, and uses strong positioning to guide attackers into less dangerous areas.
His timing in challenges is clean. He often wins the ball without drawing fouls.
He also reads the game well. Whether stepping into passing lanes or cutting off wide runs, he anticipates movement before it happens.
That ability makes him dependable against pacey wingers and skilled dribblers.
On the ball, Lima is comfortable enough to push forward. His passing is simple but effective, often connecting with midfielders to relieve pressure.
He’s not a high-volume crosser, but when he does deliver from wide areas, his accuracy is steady.
Key Traits:
- Strong in one-on-one defense
- Good anticipation and positioning
- Reliable short passing under pressure
Positional Flexibility
Lima’s versatility gives his teams a lot. At Cal he moved from forward to right back, and in MLS he’s played right back, left back, and even center back when needed.
That willingness to adjust has extended his career and made him a consistent option for multiple coaches.
His versatility also earned him opportunities with the U.S. national team. In his debut, he shifted into a hybrid defensive-midfield role, showing he could adapt to tactical demands.
That flexibility helps when clubs change systems or face injuries across the back line.
For San Jose, Lima’s ability to play both flanks has been especially valuable. He can cover for teammates, allowing the team to maintain balance without major tactical changes.
You rarely see him look uncomfortable, no matter the assignment.
Positions Played in MLS:
- Right Back
- Left Back
- Center Back (spot duty)
- Hybrid Midfield Role (USMNT)
Notable Defensive Performances
Several matches highlight Lima’s defensive impact. In 2018, he played every minute of 34 league starts for San Jose and earned Earthquakes Defensive Player of the Year.
That season included standout performances where he combined defensive stability with timely contributions in attack.
His U.S. debut against Panama in 2019 showed the same qualities. He recorded an assist while also winning key tackles in wide areas, proving he could handle international speed and pressure.
That game displayed his ability to transition quickly from defense to attack.
Here’s a snapshot of his defensive production in MLS:
| Season | Club | Matches Played | Minutes | Tackles Won | Interceptions | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | San Jose Earthquakes | 34 | 3,049 | 65 | 49 | 19 |
| 2019 | San Jose Earthquakes | 28 | 2,350 | 52 | 44 | 14 |
| 2020 | San Jose Earthquakes | 20 | 1,800 | 38 | 32 | 10 |
Performances like these help explain why he keeps finding a role in MLS. You see consistency, durability, and the ability to step up in important moments.
International Experience With USMNT
Nick Lima earned recognition with the U.S. Men’s National Team after consistent play in Major League Soccer. His call-ups, early matches, and role in defense gave him valuable experience against international opponents. That shaped his career path beyond the San Jose Earthquakes and his college years at Cal.
National Team Call-Ups
You probably remember when Lima first got the call to join the U.S. Men’s National Team in January 2019. Gregg Berhalter picked him for the final 23-man roster for friendlies against Panama and Costa Rica. That was a big moment. Lima hadn’t played for the national team yet, and those matches gave him a real shot to prove his defensive chops.
His selection followed two solid MLS seasons, where he started almost every week for San Jose. The national team coaches liked that he could play both right back and left back, which gave them some tactical options.
Call-Up Timeline:
| Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | January Camp | First senior call-up |
| 2019 | Friendlies vs Panama, Costa Rica | Earned debut |
| 2019 | Gold Cup roster | Featured in group stage |
These early call-ups really marked his climb—from a Homegrown signing to someone trusted on the international stage.
Key Matches and Contributions
Lima made his debut against Panama in January 2019. That match stands out because he played the full 90 minutes and even notched an assist in a 3-0 win. Just a week later, he started again, this time against Costa Rica at Avaya Stadium, right in front of his home crowd.
During the 2019 Gold Cup, Lima played in the group stage. He stayed consistent defensively and wasn’t afraid to push forward, although he didn’t score. You could see his quick recovery and ability to track runners, especially when the U.S. defense came under pressure.
Coaches didn’t always rave about his performances, but they counted on his positioning and work rate. His knack for adapting to different opponents kept him in the mix.
Impact on Career Development
For Lima, those USMNT appearances meant more than just a few extra matches. They validated his journey from Castro Valley to Cal Berkeley, then into MLS, and finally onto the international stage. Playing next to veterans like Michael Bradley and Gyasi Zardes raised the bar for him.
His 2019 performances boosted his reputation in MLS. Even during stretches when he lost his starting spot in San Jose, that international experience kept his name in conversations as a reliable defender.
Getting exposed to international play sharpened his tactical awareness. You could see him reading the game faster, shifting his positioning, and communicating more with teammates. That growth followed him back to his club, where he became an even more well-rounded and adaptable defender.
Career Highlights and Recognitions
Nick Lima built his name on steady play, timely moments, and respect from both his club and the league. His years with the San Jose Earthquakes, after a strong run at Cal, show how steady improvement and reliability can shape a defender’s reputation in MLS.
MLS Rookie of the Year Nomination
Lima made a splash in his first pro season in 2017. After signing as a Homegrown Player, he jumped right into the Earthquakes lineup and quickly locked down a starting spot. His defensive instincts and willingness to join the attack set him apart from most young defenders.
That year, he played 22 matches, starting 20 of them. He scored twice and chipped in an assist—not bad for a rookie fullback. His first MLS goal came in March against Vancouver, and it showed he wasn’t shy about getting forward.
The league noticed and put him fourth in the MLS Rookie of the Year voting. He didn’t win, but finishing near the top confirmed he was one of the league’s most promising defenders at the time.
Awards and Team of the Week Honors
Lima’s career features regular nods from MLS. Over several seasons, he picked up multiple MLS Team of the Week selections. In 2019 alone, he made the squad three times, which speaks to his consistency and impact.
He also took home the San Jose Earthquakes Defensive Player of the Year award in 2018. That season, he led the team in minutes played—3,049 in total—which says a lot about his durability and the trust coaches placed in him. Few players logged more time while holding their form.
These honors solidified his spot as a key figure in the Earthquakes’ back line. His ability to switch between right and left back, depending on what the team needed, made him even more valuable.
Key Recognitions
| Year | Honor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Rookie of the Year finalist | Finished 4th in voting |
| 2018 | Quakes Defensive Player of Year | Led team in minutes |
| 2019 | MLS Team of the Week | Weeks 10, 14, 21 |
Memorable Goals and Assists
Lima’s defensive work stands out, but he’s also delivered in attack when it counted. His first MLS goal—a sharp finish against Vancouver in 2017—set the tone for his career. You don’t often see a young fullback score like that.
In 2018, he added two more goals and two assists. His performance against Atlanta United, where he scored and assisted, really showed his ability to influence both ends of the field.
The 2019 season brought more big moments. He picked up his first game-winning assist in a 3-1 win over Colorado and later scored the winner against FC Cincinnati. These plays proved he could step up in important situations, even while mostly playing as a defender.
Connections and Rivalries in MLS
A defender’s value isn’t just about skill—it’s about the connections and rivalries that push him to grow. Nick Lima’s career reflects that, shaped by teammates, coaches, and the intensity of matches against rivals.
Notable Teammates and Coaches
When you look at Lima’s path, it’s clear that the people around him played a big part. Coming out of Cal, he entered MLS with a San Jose staff that believed he could start immediately.
He played next to veterans who helped him adjust, while younger academy players shared his journey breaking into the league. One of his more interesting connections is with Dave Romney, another defender who’s carved out a solid MLS career. Players like Romney and Lima, sometimes on opposite sides, really form the backbone of the league’s reliable defenders.
Coaches made a difference too. Lima worked under managers who appreciated his ability to play both right and left back. That flexibility kept him in the lineup and let him fit into different systems, whether in San Jose, Austin, or later when he returned to the Earthquakes as a free agent.
Key Matches Against LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids
You can’t talk about Lima’s MLS years without mentioning the rivalry with the LA Galaxy. As a Bay Area player, those California Clasico matches meant a little more. He often had to deal with speedy wingers and Galaxy’s attacking threats, so those games were always a test.
Against the Colorado Rapids, Lima had some memorable moments. In 2019, he logged his first game-winning assist in a 3-1 win over Colorado, showing he could create chances from the back. Those matches really highlighted his blend of defensive strength and attacking support.
| Opponent | Highlight Moment | Year |
|---|---|---|
| LA Galaxy | Regular starter in Clasico games | 2017–2020 |
| Colorado Rapids | First game-winning assist | 2019 |
Encounters With Atlanta United
When I think about Atlanta United, I picture one of the toughest challenges any MLS defender can face. Lima took them on back in 2018, during a season when he played over 3,000 minutes and earned San Jose’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
In that wild matchup, he defended Atlanta’s relentless attack and even managed to score a goal and set up another in a 4-3 loss. That performance really stood out—it showed how he could make an impact at both ends of the pitch.
If you’re a fan, games like those matter. They show how Lima handled the pressure on a big stage, going up against one of the league’s strongest clubs.
Atlanta’s fast-paced play forced him to react fast. His efforts proved he didn’t shy away from the challenge.
