PRONUNCIATION
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2017 (Columbus): Naess has made 18 appearances (17 starts) this season: 16 starts and one substitute appearance as a centerback and one start as a central midfielder. Naess made his season debut as a starter in the Opening Match against the Chicago Fire (March 4). He helped the team keep clean sheets against D.C. (March 18) and Orlando City (April 1). Following his performance against Toronto FC (April 15), Naess was named to MLSSoccer.com ’s Team of the Week. He started as a midfielder in a home match against the New England Revolution (May 6), earning a spot on MLSSoccer.com’ s Team of the Week for his performance. Naess missed the match against Atlanta United FC (June 17) after being listed as questionable with neck pain during that week. Naess made a substitute appearance in a home match against Atlanta United FC (July 1). Naess made a substitute appearance in an international friendly match at home against Eintracht Frankfurt (July 14). He returned to the starting lineup in a road contest against Real Salt Lake (July 29) and then started the following road match against the San Jose Earthquakes (August 5).
2016 (Stabaek/Columbus): Naess made 13 appearances (13 starts) in his first campaign with Columbus. He began the season with Stabaek, where he made 16 appearances in the league and three in the Norwegian Cup. He also appeared in two 2016-17 Europa League qualification matches against Welsh side Connah’s Quay Nomads. Midway through the year, he signed with Columbus Crew SC on July 21 and made his debut for the team with a start at centerback against New York City (August 13). He again started at New England (August 20), helping Columbus keep a clean sheet as part of a 2-0 win. He helped Columbus keep a clean sheet against San Jose (August 27). Naess started at Orlando (September 17), where he notched his second assist of the season. He did not make an appearance in the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
2015 (Stabaek): Naess registered a career-best 29 league appearances in the Tippeligaen, scoring his second professional goal on August 16, 2015 against Lilleström SK and adding his first professional assist two weeks later against Odds BK. He helped Stabaek to a third place finish and qualification to the Europa League first qualifying round. He again helped Stabaek to a Semifinal run in the Norwegian Cup, playing in five matches and scoring in the semifinals against Rosenborg BK.
2014 (Stabaek): Back in the topflight, Naess made 24 appearances for Stabaek, registering his first professional goal in the season-opener against Sogndal on March 30, 2014. He also made five appearances in the Norwegian Cup, helping Stabaek advance to the semifinals.
2013 (Stabaek): The defender moved to fellow Norwegian side Stabaek ahead of the 2013 season. In the second-flight Norwegian First Division, he made 21 appearances (12 starts) as Stabaek finished in second place, earning promotion to the topflight Tippeligaen. He also made three appearances in the Norwegian Cup.
2012 (Vålerenga): Naess made his professional debut for Norwegian topflight side Vålerenga in 2012 as a 19-year-old, appearing in five matches (two starts). He also made three appearances in the Norwegian Cup.
Columbus Crew SC signed defender Nicolai Naess on July 21, 2016. He occupies an international roster slot as a Discovery Signing.
Name: Nicolai Naess
Position: Defender
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 170
Born: January 18, 1993 in Oslo, Norway
Hometown: Oslo, Norway
Citizenship: Norway
Acquired: Columbus Crew SC signed defender Nicolai Naess on July 21, 2016. He occupies an international roster slot as a Discovery Signing.
Previous Experience: Stabaek (2013-2016), Vålerenga (2012)
PERSONAL
Naess is the son of Britt Elin and Yngvar has one older brother, Frederick. Outside of soccer, Naess enjoys spending time with his family, girlfriend and his dog Kenzo. His favorite vacation spot that he has been to is Aruba. Naess enjoys going skiing. Growing up, he looked up to Sergio Ramos because he liked the way that he played. Additionally, Naess' favorite team growing up was Real Madrid. He likes an eclectic mix of music and enjoys all types of action movies. Naess speaks two languages: Norwegian and English.
