SEASIDE, Calif. – Monterey Bay FC announced on Wednesday it had signed defender Nico Gordon to a one-year contract with an option for the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Gordon joins Monterey Bay having starred for North Texas SC this past season as the side claimed the MLS NEXT Pro title. The center back logged 1,826 minutes across 22 appearances while recording 96 duels won at a 59.3 percent success rate and 24 tackles at a 63.2 percent success rate and notching 37 interceptions and 76 recoveries. The 22-year-old’s performances saw him named to the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI.

“Nico is defensively solid, has composure on the ball, and leadership qualities,” said Monterey Bay Head Coach Jordan Stewart. “His standout performances, including helping North Texas SC win the MLS NEXT Pro Cup and earning a spot in the Team of the Season, highlighted his ability to handle pressure and contribute both defensively and in building play. Fans can expect him to bring a strong defensive presence, leadership, and versatility to the squad. Now we have two guys from Birmingham in the building.”

Gordon’s professional soccer journey began when he joined Birmingham City’s academy in 2014 where he quickly progressed through the club’s youth ranks. He captained the U-18 side for the 2019-20 season, leading them to the Round of 16 in the FA Youth Cup. A native of Birmingham, England went on to sign his first professional contract with the club in 2020 and made his professional debut the following day in an EFL Championship match against Hull City. He earned his first pro start later that season on July 12 against Stoke City amidst 15 total Championship appearances.

Gordon scored his first goal for his hometown club in a 2-1 win over Bristol City on March 5, 2022. He also featured in the First Round of the 2021-22 Carabao Cup, appearing against Colchester United.

“I’m very excited about joining Monterey Bay,” said Gordon. “This is a good challenge for me being in a team with senior players that I can learn from and develop my skills, and I am looking forward to it. When the opportunity came to me, I could tell that head coach Jordan [Stewart] was very interested, and I want to be somewhere where I'm really wanted. I know I will play my best football around people who can push me and coach very well, and I got that impression from the conversations I had with the manager.”

Gordon has also competed internationally, earning his first senior cap for Montserrat on September 9, 2023 in a Concacaf Nations League match against Barbados. From there, Gordon went on to receive multiple call-ups to the Montserrat Men’s National Team throughout 2024. The first was in March for a pair of friendlies against Antigua, before being called up again in June for the first two matches of 2024 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Nicaragua and Panama. He then received two call-ups for additional Nations League play in September and November, in which he participated in matches against El Salvador and St. Vincent. Gordon has amassed 12 caps for the Emerald Boys so far.

“I’m a composed player, but also very hungry,” Gordon added. “I'm really aggressive off the ball and I’m hard to beat in my duels. Coming off of a successful year last year, I want to make even more memories this season and I feel I can bring a winning mentality along with my experience. Having played in England with Birmingham City, I’ve gained a lot of experience with some top players at a young age.

“I’m looking forward to meeting my teammates and the staff along with the fans and I’m hoping to build a strong connection right away to take into the new season. I want to be in the top area of the table playing top quality football – I want us to be the team that other teams hate to play against.”