Darlington Nagbe

Lore & Background

Nagbe emigrated from Liberia due to the First Liberian Civil War, eventually settling in Lakewood, Ohio. He played college soccer at the University of Akron, winning an NCAA title and the Hermann Trophy. He spent the first seven seasons of his professional career with the Portland Timbers, winning MLS Cup in 2015. He was acquired by Atlanta United FC at the conclusion of the 2017 season, winning a second MLS Cup, a U.S. Open Cup, and the Campeones Cup. At the end of the 2019 season, he was traded to the Columbus Crew, where he won two more MLS Cup titles and an additional Campeones Cup. He made his international debut for the United States in November 2015 and earned 25 caps.

Reader's Guide

Nagbe played as a midfielder. He was known for his passing accuracy and ability to control the tempo of a match. In his first season with Atlanta United, he made 17 straight starts before missing nearly three months due to an adductor strain. He returned to start all five remaining regular-season games and all five playoff games, helping Atlanta win MLS Cup with a 2–0 victory over the Portland Timbers. He did not score in the 2018 MLS Cup Final.

Did You Know?

• Nagbe won the Hermann Trophy as the 2010 College Soccer Player of the Year.
• He was selected second overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by the Portland Timbers.
• Nagbe won the MLS Fair Play Award twice, in 2013 and 2015.
• He was included in the MLS All-Star Game roster in 2016 and 2018, though he missed the 2018 game due to injury.