On January 4, 2018, for the club’s first signings of the new year, Nashville SC has announced four new players: Justin Davis, Bolu Akinyode, Michael DeGraffenreidt, and Josh Hughes. Both Davis and DeGraffenreidt are defenders, while Akinyode and Hughes are both defensive midfielders. All four players have experience playing in the NASL, USL, or some combination of the two. “All four of these defensive players will bring passion and energy on the pitch,” head coach Gary Smith said. “They will fortify our defense and have big impacts on the club.”

Justin Davis, 29 years of age, played for Minnesota United (with varying team names) from 2011-2017, racking up 174 caps and 9 goals in all competitions for Minnesota in both the NASL and MLS. Davis appeared 8 times in 2017, playing in MLS for Minnesota. Head Coach Gary Smith: “Justin joins us with a terrific pedigree…He brings a tough, no nonsense, defending attitude, great athletic ability and a cannon of a left foot. I expect his experience and strong character to be a big influence on our back line.” Davis played some as a forward while in college, but he has mainly played as a left back, and that is where we can expect him to line up.

Bolu Akinyode, 23, is originally from Lagos, Nigeria, by way of the New York Red Bulls Academy. Akinyode has played for the New York Red Bulls II, Bethlehem Steel FC, and North Carolina FC in 2015, 2016, and 2017 respectively. In those three seasons, Akinyode has made 88 caps in the USL, scoring a goal in the process. Akinyode plays as a genuine defensive midfielder and with his physical size and strength, he performs the role very well,” says Coach Smith. In just his last season with North Carolina, Akinyode created eight chances in 22 caps with NCFC, showing that “he has very good ability for a big guy and looks comfortable with the ball at his feet,” says Smith. “A young NYRB & National Team product, Bolu has the calibre to have a big impact on the USL.”

M ichael DeGraffenreidt, 23, by far has the hardest last name to spell so far on the team, so I shall refer to him as DeGraff. DeGraff played four seasons at the University of Louisville from 2013-2016, starting 76 of the 77 games he appeared in. DeGraff is a versatile defender; at the U of L, he played along the right side of the backline, either at right back or center back. During the 2016 campaign, with DeGraff slotting in at center back, the Louisville Cardinals kept 10 clean sheets in 18 matches. Coach Smith: “A young, athletic and competitive right-side defender, Michael has the ability to play outside back or centre [British spelling] back and has the potential to make a big impact in our group.”

J osh Hughes, 26, started his playing career at Berry College, before making the transition to professional soccer in 2015 with NASL side Atlanta Silverbacks (who the Right Honorable Gary Smith was coaching at the time). In 2016, Hughes played with the Harrisburg City Islanders in the USL, and then switched to indoor soccer with the Baltimore Blast in late 2016 through 2017. Hughes made 34 caps in the NASL and USL, playing 1,300 minutes in 2016 alone. “Josh is an all-action centre midfielder. In all my coaching years in soccer, I have seen few players with a more dedicated and genuine attitude,” says Coach Smith. We are told to “expect energy, tackles, great team play … and more energy.”

These four signings bring the total number of players signed (so far) to 17. The United Soccer League sets the maximum number of players that can be on a roster at 30, so Nashville is over halfway to filling out their roster. The MLS SuperDraft is fast approaching, and will be held on the 19th and 21st of January. We maybe could expect some loan deals to bring some drafted talent to Nashville on one-year loans from the MLS teams that drafted those players. Keep your eyes and ears open, stay tuned, and keep counting down to February 10. Come on you Boys in Gold.