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
Maximus Ekk spent the bulk of the season recovering from a torn ACL, but impressed with Huntsville City when he finally got back on the field.
2025 Grade: B+
2025 by the numbers
Appearances: 7 (3 starts)
Minutes: 376
Goals: 4
Assists: 0
G+ per 96: +0.45
2024 report card: N/A
2025 in review
Ekk was a surprise signing for Nashville SC ahead of the 2025 season, with his contract automatically escalating from Huntsville in the first year to Nashville in the second. After tearing his ACL early in the 2024 season, he spent most of the year recovering in tandem with Tyler Boyd.
When he did recover, Ekk made an instant impact, scoring four goals in just seven appearances. While he's not a physically imposing striker, his movement in the box is incredibly intelligent, and he makes getting on the end of chances look routine.
His underlying numbers were fantastic, too. Ekk lead all of MLS NEXT Pro in expected goals and assists per 96 minutes played, and while the sample size was small, he looks capable of being a dangerous player at a high level.
Moment of the season
Ekk showed off his movement with a brace against Carolina Core, darting across his defender to finish off a cross from Tyshawn Rose with a tidy finish at the near post.
Ekk gets @HuntCityFC on the board early with a clean finish!
— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) October 5, 2025
That backheel pass from Tyshawn Rose 👀 pic.twitter.com/khVzKVcIcg
Looking ahead
Nashville declined Ekk's option at the end of the year. Don't be surprised if he makes a return on a full-time Huntsville City contract, though, with the potential to eventually work into a first-team role.
