Nashville SC has once again made use of MLS’s offseason roster mechanisms. General Manager Mike Jacobs selected Atlanta United defender Josh Bauer this afternoon. From Club release:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 17, 2021) – Nashville Soccer Club has selected defender Josh Bauer in the 2021 MLS Re-Entry Draft, Stage 1. Bauer was originally selected by Atlanta United FC in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft as the club’s first selection and 31st overall in the draft.
“Josh was an exceptional center back at the amateur level in college and gained a tremendous amount of valuable experience in USL this past season. We think he has the makings of a someone that can add depth to an outstanding corps of central defenders we currently have.” – Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs
Bauer appeared in 27 matches for Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship this past season, registering over 2,000 minutes of action. Bauer recorded 87 clearances, 69 interceptions and 26 blocks in his first professional season with Atlanta United 2.
Prior to joining Atlanta United, Bauer made 60 career appearances, all starts, and scored 10 goals with 10 assists at the University of New Hampshire. Over his college career, Bauer was named a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2019 – an award annually given to the top collegiate soccer player – and was twice named both the America East Defender of the Year and the ECAC Defender of the Year. He also helped lead the Wildcats to back-to-back conference titles.
Nashville SC release
Bauer did not make an MLS appearance in his rookie season, and Atlanta United declined his contract option on Dec. 1. The 6-2, 190-pounder was a negative player (-0.69) according to American Soccer Analysis‘s Goals Added at the USL Championship level, albeit for an Atlanta United 2 team that didn’t make it easy for anyone to find individual success. Fellow Atlanta United CBs Bradley Kamdem Fewo (-1.48) and Bryce Washington (+0.54) flanked him in terms of G+ success, though he was the only of the three who was negative in Interrupting, the primary defense-relevant portion.