NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC announced Tuesday the signing of free agent Julian Gaines. Gaines, 21, can play as a right back or as a winger and spent preseason on trial with Nashville SC.
Gaines spent the last two seasons with LAFC, making two appearances in MLS and spending significant time with Las Vegas Lights in USL and then LAFC2 in MLS NEXT Pro. He played just under 1,700 for LAFC2 last season, finishing as the 17th-best fullback according to American Soccer Analysis‘s “Goals Added” metric, with a similar profile to current Nashville SC and Huntsville fullback Joey Skinner.
“Julian is a dynamic young player who can contribute on the flanks as both a winger and outside back,” said Mike Jacobs, Nashville SC General Manager. “He is someone we think could have a bright future, and we look forward to him being a part of our club.”
Julian is the younger brother of Nashville SC winger McKinze Gaines, signed from Charlotte FC earlier this offseason.
Gaines has also played for Huntsville City FC during their MLS NEXT Pro preseason, and will likely split time between Nashville’s first team and reserve team.
