Josh Bauer Bio
Joshua Chase Bauer (born July 22, 1998) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a center-back for Major League Soccer club Nashville SC. He has developed through the college soccer ranks and the lower divisions of the American soccer pyramid before establishing himself in MLS. Standing at 188 centimeters tall, Bauer is known for his work as a central defender and his rise from amateur soccer in New Hampshire to the top professional league in the United States.
Beyond his club career, Bauer earned recognition as one of the top collegiate defenders in the country during his time at the University of New Hampshire. He has since continued to build his professional résumé with multiple clubs across the United Soccer League system.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Chase Bauer was born on July 22, 1998, in Bedford, New Hampshire. He grew up in the New England region, an area with a strong tradition of youth soccer competition. As a young player, he joined GPS New Hampshire Classics Elite, a competitive youth program in the state.
With GPS New Hampshire Classics Elite, Bauer helped the team capture a pair of state titles in 2014 and 2015. These early successes provided a foundation for his development and brought him to the attention of college recruiters. His experiences in the New Hampshire youth soccer circuit shaped his understanding of the game and prepared him for the next step in his career.
Path to Professional Soccer
After his youth career, Bauer continued his development in the USL League Two, a key amateur competition that often serves as a bridge between college soccer and the professional ranks. During this period, he played for Seacoast United Phantoms in 2017, Boston Bolts in 2018, and Seattle Sounders FC U-23 in 2019, gaining valuable experience against older and more seasoned opponents.
On August 19, 2020, Bauer signed his first professional contract with USL Championship side Birmingham Legion. He made his professional debut ten days later, on August 29, 2020, appearing as an 84th-minute substitute during a 4–1 win over Charlotte Independence. Following the 2020 season, he opted out of his contract to participate in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
On January 21, 2021, Bauer was selected 31st overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Atlanta United. He signed an official first-team contract with Atlanta United on April 15, 2021, marking his entry into Major League Soccer.
Josh Bauer Career
College Career at the University of New Hampshire (2017–2019)
Bauer played college soccer at the University of New Hampshire between 2017 and 2019, representing the Wildcats in the America East Conference. During his three seasons with the program, he made 60 appearances, scoring 10 goals and tallying 10 assists, an impressive statistical output for a center-back.
His college career was decorated with individual honors. He was named the America East Defender of the Year in both 2018 and 2019, and he received the ECAC Defender of the Year award in the same seasons. Bauer also became only the second player ever to be named the America East Tournament Most Outstanding Player twice, underlining his impact in postseason play.
United Soccer League Pathway (2020–2022)
Following the conclusion of his college career, Bauer began his professional journey in the USL Championship with Birmingham Legion in 2020. After one season with the club, he entered the MLS SuperDraft and was selected by Atlanta United.
He signed with Atlanta United’s first team in April 2021 and later featured for Atlanta United 2. In 2022, Bauer joined Sacramento Republic on a short-term loan on July 29, gaining additional senior experience in the USL Championship.
Nashville SC Era (2023–Present)
After his contract option was declined by Atlanta United following the 2021 season, Bauer was selected in Stage One of the 2021 MLS Re-Entry Draft by Nashville SC on December 17, 2021. He has since featured for the club, including time with its developmental side, Huntsville City, before establishing himself with the senior team.
As a center-back for Nashville SC, Bauer has continued to contribute to one of the league’s most competitive defensive units. His performances have helped solidify his role as a reliable defender in Major League Soccer.
Notable College Achievements and Accolades
Bauer’s college résumé includes selections as a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American in 2019 and a Second Team All-American in 2018. He was also recognized as a United Soccer Coaches First Team Scholar Athlete in 2019 and was a semifinalist for the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy during his senior year. These honors placed him among the most accomplished college defenders of his generation.
Josh Bauer Career Wins
Throughout his career, Bauer has contributed to several team successes across the youth, amateur, college, and professional levels of American soccer. While individual statistics for goals and assists are more readily available from his college years, his professional career has been defined by steady defensive performances rather than goal-scoring numbers.
College Highlights
At the University of New Hampshire, Bauer made 60 appearances and tallied 20 combined goals and assists across three seasons. He was part of squads that competed for America East Conference titles and earned individual recognition as one of the top defenders in college soccer.
Youth and Amateur Titles
Bauer won a pair of state titles with GPS New Hampshire Classics Elite in 2014 and 2015, providing an early foundation of team success that shaped his professional pathway.
Josh Bauer Family
Personal Life
Joshua Chase Bauer, widely known as Josh Bauer, was raised in Bedford, New Hampshire. Public details about his family and personal life remain limited, and he has kept much of his private life out of the public eye. His social media presence, including accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), offers occasional glimpses into his life as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 Major League Soccer season, Josh Bauer continues his role as a center-back for Nashville SC. His experience in the league, combined with prior spells in the USL system, has prepared him for the demands of a full MLS campaign. Defensive consistency remains a key focus for the club, and Bauer’s versatility at the back provides Nashville SC with valuable depth.
The 2025 season is expected to bring new challenges as Nashville SC aims to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference. Bauer’s familiarity with the team’s tactical approach and his prior experience within the organization position him as a reliable contributor in central defense.
As the season progresses, Bauer will look to build on his track record of steady performances and continue developing as a key member of the Nashville SC back line.