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MLS Nashville SC

Nashville SC Signs Isaiah Jones, Second Homegrown Player

February 7, 2024 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Nashville SC News Release


NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Nashville Soccer Club announced today the signing of 2023/24 U17 Nashville SC Academy Midfielder Isaiah Jones to a first team contract as a homegrown player through 2027 with an option for 2028. The 17-year-old becomes the second homegrown player for the Boys in Gold following the signing of Adem Sipić, whose contract started this year.

Jones will be presented to the media and those fans in attendance at Nashville SC's preseason match against Birmingham Legion FC later today. Media will also be able to join the introduction via Zoom.

"Isaiah exemplifies what we look for out of our youth academy as a homegrown player, and I'm so excited for he and his family for this special moment," said Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs. "He has all of the attributes you look for in a young central midfielder - industrious, tenacious, athletic, and tough - but it's his character and ability to influence winning that now sees him make the next step in his career as a first team player."

The 17-year-old from nearby Thompson Station, TN has been a mainstay at the Academy since he joined the U15 team as a 14-year-old during the program's inaugural season in 2020. His leadership qualities, competitiveness, soccer IQ, and work ethic have been cited by Academy coaches and staff for enabling Jones to rise quickly through the program's ranks, culminating in his most recent campaign with the U17 squad in 2023, which included seven matches (four starts) with Nashville SC's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate Huntsville City FC. The MLS homegrown player rules allow clubs to sign Academy players directly to first team rosters.

Isaiah came to the United States from Sierra Leone with his seven siblings (six brothers, one sister) in 2013 after being adopted by Mike and Hayley Jones of Thompson Station. Since moving to Thompson Station, Isaiah and the Jones siblings played youth soccer at Franklin's Grace Christian Academy. His older brother, Malachi, starred at Tennessee's Lipscomb University before being drafted eighth overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, presented by adidas, this past December.

Last season at The Gold Mine (Nashville SC's Academy), Isaiah shared the pitch with his brother Zion, who is also a member of the U17 team. Two of Isaiah's siblings are currently playing college soccer-brother Levi at Lipscomb, and sister Gabby at NAIA Cumberland University. Their eldest sibling, Michael, played collegiately at Nashville's Trevecca University.

Transaction: Nashville ‚ SC signs Midfielder Isaiah Jones to a first team contract as a homegrown player through 2027 with an option for 2028

ISAIAH JONES

Position: ‚ Midfielder

Height: ‚ 5'9"

Weight: ‚ 165

Birthdate: ‚ April 8, 2006

Age: ‚ 17

Hometown: ‚ Thompson Station, TN

Nationality: ‚ Sierra Leone, United States

Last club: Nashville SC Academy 2023/24 U17 Team

How Acquired: ‚ Signed to first team contract as a homegrown player via Nashville SC's Academy Team

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QUOTE REPOSITORY:

Mike Jacobs, Nashville SC General Manager: "Isaiah exemplifies what we look for out of our youth academy as a Homegrown, and I'm so excited for he and his family for this special moment. He has all of the attributes you look for in a young central midfielder - industrious, tenacious, athletic, and tough - but it's his character and ability to influence winning that now sees him make the next step in his career as a first team player."

Kevin Flanagan, Nashville SC Academy Director: "Isaiah is a young talent that continuously displays the characteristics and values we want to see in a Nashville player. ‚ He is competitive, honest, motivated and has the resilience needed to move on to the next level in his career. ‚ As a midfielder, he does a lot of work for the team, and he understands his role very well. ‚ His understanding of the game and physical ability allows him to adapt to all of the situations that the game provides. His performances with our Academy and with Huntsville City FC have shown us his true potential as a young player. We are all very proud of Isaiah and we look forward to seeing him push on in his career at the club. ‚ I believe he is the type of player that our fans will enjoy watching in the future." ‚ ‚

Alan O'Connor, Nashville SC U17 Academy Coach: "Isaiah is a role model for our emerging Academy talent. His approach to training every day is exemplary. Isaiah has the tools to be a top professional. He is a dynamic, talented player and we are excited to see him impact our club at the highest level."

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