NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 28, 2024) — In a bold move brimming with anticipation, Nashville Soccer Club has unveiled a pivotal roster decision ahead of the 2025 Major League Soccer season. This strategic recalibration not only signals intent but also sets the stage for a tense and electrifying season to come.
The decision to exercise contract options shines a spotlight on:
- Julian Gaines
- Lukas MacNaughton
Conversely, the club bid farewell to the following players, as their contract options remain unexercised:
- Forster Ajago
- Tah Brian Anunga
- AnÃbal Godoy
- Ben Martino
- Amar Sejdić
- Joey Skinner
Further complicating the roster landscape, several players find themselves officially out of contract:
- Josh Bauer
- Brent Kallman
- Dru Yearwood
At this juncture, the club boasts a formidable lineup featuring a blend of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers. Leading the charge is the illustrious trio: Hany Mukhtar, a three-time MLS All-Star and 2022’s MVP and Golden Boot winner, alongside five-time MLS Best XI selection Walker Zimmerman, and the 2024 goal-scoring sensation Sam Surridge. They are supported by a robust goalkeeping duo, Elliot Panicco and Joe Willis, as well as Jacob Shaffelburg, who solidified his role with the Canadian Men’s National Team this year. New talents, like U-22 Initiative player Patrick Yazbek and Mexican U-23 player Jonathan Pérez, currently on loan from LA Galaxy, strengthen the roster further. Notably, this season will witness, for the first time, the inclusion of two Homegrown Players, Isaiah Jones and Adem Sipić, as Nashville SC aims for unprecedented heights.
Anunga, Godoy, Kallman, Sejdić, and Yearwood are now on the brink of Free Agency, which kicks off on December 12. To qualify, players must be at least 24 years old and uphold a minimum of five years in MLS service. Clubs will commence negotiations with available free agents starting at noon CT on that date.
Meanwhile, Bauer is in talks with the club regarding his potential future as his contract has lapsed.
On a different note, Ajago and Martino are set to explore their options in the Re-Entry Draft, slated for December 13 and 19, respectively. Eligibility for this draft includes players at least 22 years old with one year of service, excluding those vying for Free Agency.
As for Skinner, he falls outside the requirements for both the Re-Entry process and Free Agency; hence, he will navigate through End of Year Waivers on December 12.
In a related shift, Bryan Dowd is wrapping up his loan from Chicago Fire FC and is set to return to his parent club after earning valuable experience with Nashville SC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Huntsville City FC.
Additionally, Nashville SC bids farewell to stalwarts Kosuke Kimura and Matt Pickens, who are stepping down from their roles as Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach respectively. The club expresses deep gratitude for their contributions, both on and off the field, and wishes them success in their future pursuits.
Exciting Engagement Alert:
In a fan-centric initiative, Nashville SC, in collaboration with 104.5 The Zone and Fogg Street Lawn Club, invites supporters to a riveting year-end Backstage show on Wednesday, October 30. Running from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. CT at Nashville’s premier soccer pub and British rooftop lawn bowling club in the Gulch, the event will feature interviews with key figures: CEO Ian Ayre, General Manager Mike Jacobs, and Head Coach B.J. Callaghan, unveiling their grand vision for the upcoming 2025 season. Fans eager to attend must RSVP to secure their spot.
Nashville SC’s roster as of October 28 includes:
Goalkeepers: Elliot Panicco, Joe Willis
Defenders: Julian Gaines, Daniel Lovitz, Lukas MacNaughton, Jack Maher, Shaq Moore, Taylor Washington, Walker Zimmerman
Midfielders: Sean Davis, Isaiah Jones, Randall Leal, Hany Mukhtar, Alex Muyl, Jonathan Pérez, Jacob Shaffelburg, Patrick Yazbek
Forwards: Tyler Boyd, Teal Bunbury, Woobens Pacius, Adem Sipić, Sam Surridge
