BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Brooklyn FC announced on Friday that it had signed defender So Nishikawa ahead of the club’s inaugural season in the USL Championship. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.
Nishikawa joins Brooklyn FC after a standout college career with San Diego State University and the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where he was named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year and earned All-Horizon League First Team honors in his senior season. Before college, he was on the books at A-League powerhouse Melbourne Victory FC, making four appearances for the First Team as an Academy signing after debuting in 2020.
“So has taken a really strong development path and he’s earned recognition at every level through consistency,” said Brooklyn FC Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc. “He stood out in a combine setting in Michigan and showed qualities we value in our game model. He’s a competitor, he’s composed defensively, and he’s comfortable on the ball. We like his mindset and his versatility, and we’re excited to bring him into our group.”
A native of Atlanta, Nishikawa’s college career began with two seasons at San Diego State before moving to Wisconsin–Green Bay to finish out his eligibility. Across three seasons with the Phoenix, he made 41 appearances, notching two goals and five assists.
Nishikawa also featured during the 2024 USL League Two season for Seacoast United Phantoms, and help the side reach the League Two Final, scoring the game-winning goal in the national semifinals against Asheville City SC while recording 12 appearances and 781 minutes of action.