Nicholas Lima (born November 17, 1994) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a defender.
Lima played four years of college soccer at the University of California, Berkeley between 2013 and 2016.
While at college, Lima also appeared for USL PDL side Burlingame Dragons.
On December 21, 2016, Lima signed as a Homegrown Player for Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes. He made his professional debut on March 4, 2017, starting in a 1âÂÂ0 win over the Montreal Impact. His first professional goal was scored on March 11, 2017, in a 3âÂÂ2 home victory against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. It was the first goal scored by a Homegrown player in Earthquakes history. On October 14, 2017, he was announced as a nominee for two different league awards: the MLS Defender of the Year Award alongside teammate Florian Jungwirth, and the MLS Rookie of the Year Award, along with teammate Jackson Yueill.
Despite putting on his best performances, it was announced that Lima's contract would not be renewed.
On December 13, 2020, Lima was traded to Austin FC in exchange for $500,000 of General Allocation Money.
On December 11, 2023, Lima was traded to the New England Revolution in exchange for $275,000 of General Allocation Money. He scored his first goal for the Revolution on March 6, 2024, in the team's 4âÂÂ0 win over Liga Deportiva Alajuelense in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Lima became a free agent following a single season in New England, and returned to San Jose Earthquakes on a two-year deal on December 18, 2024 ahead of their upcoming 2025 season.
Born in the United States, Lima is of Mexican descent. On January 8, 2018, he received a call-up for the United States men's national soccer team for a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on January 28. He was named to the bench for the match but ultimately did not take the field during the 0âÂÂ0 draw. He made his debut on January 27, 2019, in a friendly against Panama, starting the match. Lima played the full 90 minutes, recorded an assist, and was named Man of the Match in his international debut.
As of October 15, 2019
<small>Source: US Soccer</small>