Defender
Nick Lima
5'9"
Career summary of former USMNT defender Nick Lima. View stats for San Jose Earthquakes, Austin FC, New England Revolution, and his 2019 Gold Cup highlights.
Caps: 9
Nick Lima emerged as a member of the USMNT after several seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes. Lima joined MLS prior to the 2017 season as a Homegrown Player after four college seasons at Cal Berkeley. The local product quickly became an important part of the Earthquakes lineup. His MLS form caught the eye of new USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter. A part of the 2019 Gold Cup squad, Lima quickly turned into a regular that year. In 2021, he joined the expansion Austin FC and became a crucial member of the squad that advanced to the Western Conference final in their second season. Lima moved to New England in December 2023. He joined San Jose in December 2024 and announced his retirement on January 16, 2026.
Photo by Steve Limentani – ISIPhotos.com
USMNT Experience
2019
Lima’s international career was defined by a breakout 2019 campaign where he earned all nine of his caps. He made his senior debut starting the 3-0 win over Panama on Jan 27, impressing with his two-way play. He followed that with a start in the 2-0 win over Costa Rica on Feb 2. His strong January camp earned him a spot on the Concacaf Gold Cup roster. In the tournament, he started group stage wins over Guyana (4-0 win, Jun 18) and Trinidad & Tobago (6-0 win, Jun 22), as well as the quarterfinal victory against Curacao (1-0 win, Jun 30). He also featured in friendly matches, subbing on against Chile (1-1 draw, Mar 26) and Uruguay (1-1 draw, Sep 10). He closed his international account by subbing on in the 2-0 Nations League loss to Canada on Oct 15 and starting the 4-0 win over Cuba on Nov 19.
Professional Experience
2026
Retired from professional soccer on Jan 16.
2025
Lima returned to his boyhood club, the San Jose Earthquakes, for his final professional season. He played in 11 games providing veteran leadership in the locker room. The Earthquakes finished 10th in the Western Conference, missing the playoffs.
2024
In his lone season with the New England Revolution, Lima made 25 appearances. It was a difficult transition year for the club, which finished 14th in the Eastern Conference. Lima was traded back to San Jose in December, setting up his farewell season.
2023
Lima continued to be a workhorse for Austin FC, playing in 33 games during the regular season. Austin finished 12th in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs.
2022
Lima was instrumental in Austin FC’s historic run, playing in all 34 regular season games. He helped the "Verde and Black" finish 2nd in the Western Conference. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, Lima started as the team advanced past Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas before falling to eventual champions LAFC in the Western Conference Final.
2021
Joining Austin FC for their inaugural season, Lima was one of the club's foundational defensive pieces. He played in 28 games as the expansion side found its footing, finishing 12th in the West.
2020
In the pandemic-shortened season, Lima played in 20 games, scoring two goals. The San Jose Earthquakes finished 8th in the Western Conference, qualifying for the expanded postseason. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, Lima started the First Round match against Sporting Kansas City, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw before San Jose was eliminated in the penalty shootout.
2019
Lima was an undisputed starter, playing 24 matches while balancing national team duties. Under new manager Matias Almeyda, the Quakes finished 8th in the Western Conference, narrowly missing the playoff line by four points.
2018
Lima was one of the few bright spots in a difficult season for the club. He was the only player to appear in all 34 games, starting every match. The Earthquakes finished 12th in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs.
2017
Lima burst onto the scene in his rookie year, signing as a Homegrown Player and immediately winning the starting job. He played in 22 games and scored two goals. He helped the Quakes finish 6th in the Western Conference to secure a postseason berth. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, the team was eliminated in the Knockout Round by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Youth and College
A Bay Area native, Lima starred for Cal Berkeley (University of California) for four seasons, earning All-Pac-12 honors. He also played in the PDL (now USL League Two) for the Burlingame Dragons. A product of the San Jose Earthquakes academy, he signed his Homegrown contract in December 2016.
