Adem Sipić is breaking new ground individually and within Nashville SC's organization.
Sipić, a Nashville SC academy member who is gaining experience at MLS NEXT Pro side Huntsville City FC, scored in his first professional start, a 4-2 win over St Louis CITY2. In doing so, Sipić became the first Nashville SC academy player to make an MLS NEXT Pro start.
"I knew that everyone was behind me, all my teammates," Sipić said after the game. "They were giving me confidence, telling me to just go do my thing. Without the team, it wouldn't be possible. They helped me. I felt really good about it. It was good to get a goal in my first start and continue from here."
Sipić scored to equalize in the 48th minute. Kemy Amiche, who starred in the match with two goals and one assist, found Sipić holding off a defender in the middle of the 18-yard box. Sipić received Amiche's pass and finished to score in his first professional start.
Huntsville City FC coach Jack Collison said Sipić is a rising star because of his consistency and intensity each time he takes the field.
"The biggest compliment I can pay to Adem whether he's with the first team, whether he's been training or playing with the U-17's or whether he's been with us, he brings that intensity every single day," Collison said. "For someone so young, if he continues in that vein, there's no doubt he's going to be a very big prospect."
Huntsville City FC have integrated several Nashville SC players in the lineup for MLS NEXT Pro matches. HCFC has welcomed first teamers such as Jan Gregus, Taylor Washington, and Randall Leal in 2023.
Collison values the communication his side maintains with Nashville SC coach Gary Smith and his staff. The two clubs work together to meet development goals.
"When these guys have come down, they've really bought into what we're trying to do," Collison said. "To have that relationship and that open communication with Gary (Smith) and his coaching staff is vital for the role we're here to play. Of course we want to win games, of course we want to be successful, but we're trying to help these guys develop, improve, and get better."
