Any conversation around the 2017 Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year should include Earthquakes Homegrown defender Nick Lima.
Lima, 22, has been everything the Quakes could have asked for and then some. Widely considered one of the most intriguing MLS prospects in the nation as a senior at Cal in 2016, few could have predicted the impact he would have in San Jose so early in his career.
Lima has started 17 matches so far this season, making 19 overall appearances. In addition to his defensive responsibilities, he has also been a steady contributor on the offensive end and has been a key part of the Quakes attack in nearly every game he’s featured in.