Aké Loba became the third designated player in club history after signing with the club in July of 2021.

He was expected to partner with Hany Mukhtar and create a partnership that would propel Nashville SC to trophies. That didn’t quite work out as it turned out Loba’s best position might have just been the one Mukhtar occupied while on his way to back-to-back challenges for league MVP.

Loba was scarcely on the field in his time in the Music City and scored just two goals and two assists in that timeframe.

One of those goals was scored against Sporting Kansas City on June 19th, 2022.

Loba was substituted in at halftime for Brian Anunga. SKC scored to go up 1-0 in the 51st minute, but Loba cleaned up a Hany Mukhtar rebound to equalize for the Yotes in the 63rd minute.

Nashville SC went on to lose the game 2-1.

Aké Loba’s electric gold primary shirt is the second match worn shirt in my NSC collection to be photomatched.

This shirt was acquired unwashed from MLS Auctions and still has grass and mud stains on the back and sleeves. These stains are visible in multiple photos of Loba from the match that are on USA Today.

Unwashed shirts are more and more rare unless you’re picking them up yourself as players leave the pitch. This one was quite rank and had the wear to prove it. It was an excellent addition to the collection.

These gold kits have a new patch on the left hem commemorating the club’s first season at Geodis Park. They also had unique Juneteenth inspired namesets which were a significant improvement over the ones the league used in 2021.