Nashville SC Signs USMNT Defender Shaq Moore

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After much speculation and anticipation, Nashville Soccer Club has officially announced the signing of United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) Defender Shaquell (Shaq) Moore through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026.

In order to sign Moore, Nashville SC first acquired his discovery priority from CF Montréal in exchange for $50,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money. Moore will be available for selection upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

“Shaq has all of the positive attributes that we look for on both sides of the ball, as well as on and off the field,” says Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs. “He has the ability to be a key contributor in our group, and we are so pleased to have him join us here in Nashville.”

Moore, 25, joins Nashville SC from CD Tenerife of LaLiga2 where he made 101 appearances across all competitions in the past three seasons. The right back, who spent the entirety of his professional career in Spain following his debut at CF Huracán Moncada at 18 years old, has earned 174 appearances in eight seasons playing also for Real Oviedo Vetusta, Atlético Levante UD, CF Reus Deportiu in different divisions in Spain.

In 2017, Moore became just the fourth American player at the time of his appearance on Oct. 29 to play in a LaLiga match for Atlético Levante UD, joining Kasey Keller, Jozy Altidore and Oguchi Onyewu. Moore was just 20 years old at the time of his LaLiga debut. In La Liga, Moore has played against the likes of Leo Messi, Luis Suarez and many more international soccer stars.

At the international level, Moore has earned 15 caps for the USMNT following his debut on June 2, 2018, in a friendly against Ireland. His first international goal came on July 18, 2021 in the first minute of play against Canada in the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup. Moore’s goal proved to be the game-winner in a 1-0 contest that placed the U.S. in first place going into the knockout stage of the competition.

Moore was instrumental for America to punch their ticket to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He will join international teammate and two-time MLS Defender of the year Walker Zimmerman in Nashville.

Steven Boero
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