HUNTSVILLE — Nashville Soccer Club has acquired the MLS SuperDraft Priority to Huntsville City FC forward Gunnar Studenhofft from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a second-round draft pick and cash, officials with Nashville SC announced. Nashville SC is the MLS parent club of Huntsville City FC of MLS NEXTPro.
Studenhofft, who was drafted 60th overall by the Colorado Rapids in the last year’s MLS SuperDraft, joined the Boys in Blue this month. During Huntsville’s 4-1 season opening victory over Chicago Fire FC II on March 9, the 6-3, 200-pound forward scored a goal. It was his professional debut.
“We are excited to add Gunnar to our group for 2025,” Matt Cairns, Huntsville City FC Director of Soccer Operations, said before the season. “His pace and power will excite the fans of the Boys in Blue, and his style will complement the rest of our roster this season.”
He was traded for a 2027 natural second round MLS SuperDraft pick and up to $250,000 in conditional General Allocation Money. By acquiring Studenhofft’s SuperDraft Priority, Nashville SC has the exclusive ability to sign Studenhofft to a Major League Soccer contract prior to 2027.
“Gunnar is a unique combination of pace and strength, and as a goal threat will add a unique dimension to Huntsville City FC,” said Nashville SC General Manager Mike Jacobs. “He has the potential to be a first team prospect, and we are excited to have him as a member of our organization.”
Studenhoft played collegiately at the University of South Florida for one season and Manhattan University for two.
At USF, Studenhofft made 13 appearances (10 starts) and scored a team-leading four goals. His play earned him AAC Second-Team All-Conference honors. During his time with Manhattan, Studenhofft made 33 appearances (32 starts) with 12 goals and five assists, including leading the team in goals in 2023 with seven. He earned All-MAAC First Team honors in 2023 and Second Team honors in 2022.
On the international stage, Studenhofft made his Cayman Islands senior national team debut on March 24, 2021 during a 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualification match vs. Suriname. He has scored two goals in six appearances, both during CONCACAF Nations League matches.
Studenhofft and his HCFC teammates hit the pitch Friday night in the club’s home opener against Philadelphia Union II. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium. Tickets to the match can be purchased here.
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