Here at SixOneFive Soccer, we're breaking down the performances of every member of Nashville's squad during the 2025 season. Over the coming weeks, we'll review how all 33 players performed, their biggest moments of the campaign, and what to expect from them in 2026. You won't find this level of analysis anywhere else.
2025 report cards
Ben Wright
2025 was another disappointing season for Julian Gaines, who can't seem to catch a break when it comes to injuries.
2025 Grade: D
2025 by the numbers
Appearances: 3 (0 starts)
Minutes: 46
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
G+ per 96: -0.03
2025 in review
Gaines went into the 2025 season in a competition with Andy Nájar for the starting right back position, with the two expected to split minutes. That never happened. Gaines picked up a knock in preseason and didn't make his debut until the end of March. He picked up an injury immediately after his first appearance that kept him out until late June, made two appearances off the bench, and was out from the start of August to the end of the year with a third injury issue.
In all, Gaines missed 32 matches with injury. Since signing with Nashville in 2024, he's missed 53 games.
It's hard to fault him for his horrible luck, and perhaps an "incomplete" would be a more fair grade. But for a player with such clear ceiling-raising talent, seeing him miss essentially all of a second-consecutive season was disappointing.
Moment of the season
Gaines looked bright in his season debut against CF Montréal, playing 10 minutes off the bench and showing potential in a more advanced role.
Looking ahead
Nashville declined Gaines's 2026 option, but remain bullish on his potential at the MLS level. There's a chance he could return to the organization with Huntsville City FC, and if he's able to avoid injuries and stay on the field, he's a good enough player that he should work his way back into the first-team picture before long.
