G. Tubbs, D.C. United Defender #16: Career, Stats & Loan Impact

You’ve watched D.C. United’s back line shift and grow, but not many players have made their mark as fast as Garrison Tubbs. At just 23, the center back wearing number 16 brings a mix of strength, awareness, and calm that really pops out every match.

He reads the game with a sharpness and confidence you’d expect from someone way older. It’s hard not to notice.

Tubbs arrived at D.C. United from Atlanta United late in 2023. Before that, he stood out at Wake Forest University, where he grabbed the 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year award.

His college days shaped him into a disciplined, smart defender. That’s now a big part of D.C. United’s defensive backbone.

You’ll get a sense of how Tubbs handled the jump to Major League Soccer, his short loan to Loudoun United FC, and how those minutes prepped him for 2025. His story is about a player on the way up—someone turning raw potential into real results for a club hungry for wins.

If you want more on his career or stats, check out his Transfermarkt profile.

Profile of G. Tubbs at D.C. United

Here’s a young defender who worked his way from college soccer up to MLS. His path shows steady progress, good defensive instincts, and a bigger role with D.C. United’s back line.

Background and Early Career

Garrison Tubbs was born on February 17, 2002, in Jacksonville, Florida. Maybe you remember him from his time at Wake Forest University—he played college soccer there and grew into a steady center back.

He earned regular starts at Wake Forest and helped anchor one of the ACC’s strongest defenses. That experience gave him the technical skills and awareness to fit right into the pros.

Tubbs also spent time with the Atlanta United Academy before turning pro. That stint prepped him for MLS’s pace and intensity.

He learned to defend by focusing on positioning, reading plays, and cleanly distributing the ball from the back.

Key Facts:

Attribute	Detail
Birthplace	Jacksonville, Florida
College	Wake Forest University
Height	1.89 m
Preferred Foot	Right

Joining D.C. United

Tubbs’s big professional leap came with his move from Atlanta United to D.C. United. That trade, reportedly worth up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money, was covered by MLSsoccer.com.

He signed with the Black-and-Red in December 2023, agreeing to a deal through 2025 and a club option for two more years.

D.C. United sent him on a short loan to Loudoun United FC in early 2025. They brought him back in May, according to dcunited.com, so he could compete for a spot.

He quickly turned into a reliable choice in central defense. By late 2025, he’d made 15 appearances in all competitions, starting seven times—a clear sign the club trusted him with MLS minutes.

Position and Playing Style

Tubbs’s game is all about positioning and timing, not reckless tackles. As a center back, he uses his 1.89-meter height to win headers and cut out long balls.

His right foot lets him start attacks from deep with sharp, accurate passes.

He fits into D.C. United’s defensive setup, where they want defenders who can play under pressure. Tubbs keeps his cool, usually choosing the safe pass over a wild clearance.

On the field, he talks his teammates through plays and keeps an eye on runners down the middle. Fans spot him by his number 16 shirt and the steady vibe he brings to the back line.

Recent Stats (2025):

Category	Number
Appearances	15
Starts	7
Goals	0
Yellow Cards	2

He’s improved game by game, and you can bet he’ll stay central to D.C. United’s defensive plans for a while.

2024 and 2025 Seasons With D.C. United

You can see Tubbs growing through steady minutes, better passing, and a bigger defensive role. His run with D.C. United shows how regular playing time and some standout performances pushed his development forward.

MLS Appearances and Performance

Tubbs landed at D.C. United in December 2023 after his Wake Forest stint. In the 2024 MLS season, he played in 15 matches, started seven, and clocked 549 minutes.

He kept an 88% pass completion rate—pretty solid for a young defender under pressure.

In 2025, Tubbs kept earning minutes before heading out on loan to Loudoun United. That move gave him more regular games, while D.C. United kept the option to recall him.

You can see his game getting sharper—better positioning, tighter marking, and more assured passing from the back.

Season Statistics (MLS)

Season	Matches	Starts	Minutes	Pass Completion	Goals	Assists
2024	15	7	549	88%	0	0
2025	10	9	810	86%	1	0

His numbers across both seasons show a player adapting fast to MLS. He’s not flashy, but he’s efficient—a defender who values structure and balance.

Key Matches and Milestones

Tubbs made his D.C. United debut on May 11, 2024, in a 3–2 win at Atlanta United—the same club that first signed him as a Homegrown.

He earned his first start on June 1, 2024, against Toronto FC, where he drew a late penalty to secure a 2–2 draw.

He played full matches, including a July 2025 game versus Charlotte FC. That kind of consistency built trust with the coaches.

Tubbs scored his first D.C. United goal in the 2025 U.S. Open Cup Round of 16—a big moment that showed he’s gaining confidence, even pushing forward.

Each milestone marked his steady climb, turning chances into solid performances.

U.S. Open Cup Contributions

Tubbs really stood out in the U.S. Open Cup. He started two matches in 2025 and scored his first goal for D.C. United against Charlotte FC in the Round of 16.

He played all 90 minutes in both games, closing down space and winning aerial battles. His defensive sense limited opponents’ chances, especially against Charleston Battery earlier in the tournament.

You can see his impact not just in stats but in reliability. For a young defender juggling MLS and cup games, Tubbs brought poise and control that lined up with D.C. United’s push for stability.

For more on his loan and performances, here’s D.C. United’s official announcement.

Loan to Loudoun United FC

Tubbs took another step in his growth with a loan move that connected his MLS experience to the USL Championship. His time with Loudoun United FC gave him steady minutes and a chance to polish his skills in a competitive setting.

Loan Details and Timeline

D.C. United loaned Tubbs to Loudoun United FC in September 2025 for the rest of the season. The move happened just before the USL Championship roster freeze on September 8, giving both clubs some roster wiggle room.

This wasn’t Tubbs’ first trip to Leesburg. Earlier in 2025, he joined Loudoun on a short loan, played in a 1–0 win over Lexington SC, then returned to D.C. United.

The recall clause let D.C. United bring him back when they needed him, which says a lot about his value to both teams.

Tubbs, a former Wake Forest defender, joined D.C. United from Atlanta United in December 2023. His route through MLS and USL gives you a real look at how teams develop young defenders with targeted loans.

Loan Snapshot

Detail	Information
Loan Club	Loudoun United FC
Parent Club	D.C. United
League	USL Championship
Loan Start	September 2025
Recall Option	Yes

Role at Loudoun United

Tubbs slotted into Loudoun United’s back line as a right-sided center back. His 6’2” frame and knack for winning headers made the defense tougher.

He already knew the Loudoun system from earlier that season, so he settled in fast.

Head Coach Ryan Martin praised his return, pointing out Tubbs’ leadership and calm on the ball. You can see how his MLS experience led to better defensive talk and more controlled passing.

He often partnered with younger defenders, guiding them on positioning and marking. That kind of short-term mentorship matters, even in a quick loan.

Tubbs gave the back line some much-needed stability as Loudoun fought for consistency late in the year.

Impact on USL Championship Campaign

Tubbs’ arrival gave Loudoun United a timely lift as the club pushed through the end of the USL Championship season.

His defensive smarts and passing—he hit 88% accuracy in 2024 with D.C. United—helped the team build out from the back.

You could see him helping Loudoun tighten up their defense and limit opponents’ chances. His calmness under pressure made it easier for the team to move into attack.

Even though the loan only lasted for the rest of 2025, his influence stood out. Loudoun’s defensive stats improved with him on the field, backing up the value of sending MLS players to USL for development.

USL Championship and Jägermeister Cup Involvement

Tubbs’s time in the USL Championship played a big role in his steady rise with D.C. United. His spells with Loudoun United gave him regular minutes and tough defensive assignments against teams like Lexington SC and Louisville City.

Debut and Early Performances

Tubbs, out of Wake Forest University, made his pro debut with Atlanta United 2 in 2019, then moved to D.C. United.

His first USL Championship matches showed his composure and smart reading of the game.

Watching him with Loudoun United, you saw a defender who stayed cool under pressure. He used his 6’2” height to win headers and cut out passes.

In his first full D.C. United season, he played 16 matches in all competitions, showing growth in positioning and ball distribution. His 2025 loan to Loudoun United gave him more consistent time to sharpen those skills.

Season	Club	Competition	Matches	Goals	Pass Accuracy
2024	D.C. United	MLS	15	0	88%
2025	Loudoun United	USL Championship	8	0	86%

USL Jägermeister Cup Matches

In the 2025 season, Tubbs played for Loudoun United in the USL Jägermeister Cup, a new interleague tournament that brought together USL Championship and League One clubs. Each team played four matches in regional groups—two at home, two away.

Tubbs started in a 1-0 win over Lexington SC, where he helped Loudoun keep a clean sheet. He really anchored the back line with sharp positioning and clear communication.

The Cup gave him a real shot at facing a mix of attacking styles, which prepped him for the higher level in MLS. You could actually watch his confidence build game by game, especially when he timed his tackles or played out from the back.

Notable Opponents and Results

When Loudoun faced teams like FC Tulsa and Louisville City, Tubbs showed off his defensive awareness. He tracked runners tightly and squeezed space in the box, forcing opposing forwards into tougher shots.

Games against Hartford Athletic and North Carolina FC challenged him with quicker, more physical attackers. Tubbs adapted, switching between zonal and man-marking as needed.

He anchored Loudoun United’s defense and helped keep the squad competitive in both the league and the Cup. Tubbs’ performances made it clear he was ready for more MLS minutes, which is probably why D.C. United keeps seeing him as a long-term solution in defense.

Development and Previous Clubs

Garrison Tubbs didn’t take shortcuts—he built his foundation through steady growth. He spent his early years in pro academies, college soccer, and the U.S. development system, all of which shaped his defensive instincts and composure under pressure. Every step along the way set him up for his current role with D.C. United.

Atlanta United and Atlanta United 2 Experience

You can spot Tubbs’ professional growth during his time with Atlanta United and Atlanta United 2. From 2019 to 2020, he made 12 appearances in the USL Championship, gaining valuable minutes against older, stronger players. Those matches really forced him to adjust to the pace and tactical demands of the pro game.

In December 2023, D.C. United traded for Tubbs from Atlanta United for up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money. That move marked his official entry into Major League Soccer. He debuted for D.C. United on May 11, 2024, and helped the team win 3–2 against his former club.

Key Atlanta United 2 Stats

Season	Competition	Appearances	Minutes	Goals	Assists
2019–2020	USL Championship	12	910	0	0

Atlanta’s system gave him structure and discipline, which still show up in his game today.

Collegiate Career at Wake Forest

Before going pro, Tubbs stood out at Wake Forest University, one of the top soccer programs in the ACC. Over three seasons, he showed off his positional sense and leadership in defense.

Coaches at Wake Forest are known for producing MLS-ready defenders, and Tubbs definitely benefited from that. He improved his technical skills and passing, becoming more comfortable building out from the back.

Wake Forest Career Highlights

• Seasons: 2020–2022
• Total Appearances: 46
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 3
• Honors: All-ACC selections, Academic recognition

That college experience really showed his maturity and readiness for pro soccer.

Progression Through U.S. Soccer Pathways

Tubbs’ journey through the U.S. Soccer pyramid is pretty classic. He started out in regional development programs, then joined Atlanta United’s academy, training alongside future MLS players.

Each stage focused on technical growth, tactical awareness, and mental toughness. By the time Tubbs went pro, he’d already played against top youth competition across the country.

His path reflects what a lot of modern American defenders go through—balancing college competition with pro exposure. That blend of academic focus and athletic polish set him up for success with D.C. United and his 2025 loan to Loudoun United FC, as mentioned in D.C. United’s official release.

Coaching and Team Dynamics

Coaching and locker room chemistry really do shape a player’s development, don’t they? For Garrison Tubbs, both have played big roles in his rise from Wake Forest standout to D.C. United defender.

Coaching Staff and Influence

Tubbs works with a coaching staff that values structure and accountability. At D.C. United, the coaches trusted him early and gave him steady minutes in his first pro season. That kind of confidence makes it easier to adjust to the speed and physicality of MLS.

While on loan with Loudoun United FC, head coach Ryan Martin also influenced Tubbs’ progress. Martin focused on defensive positioning and communication, which helped Tubbs organize the back line more confidently. D.C. United recalled him from Loudoun in May 2025, a sign that he’d adapted well.

Key Stats (2025 Season)

Team	Matches	Starts	Minutes	Pass Completion
D.C. United	15	7	549	88%

Coaches at both clubs have guided Tubbs through tactical sessions that emphasize building from the back and keeping a compact defensive line. That approach lines up with what he learned at Wake Forest, where discipline and ball control were always key.

Team Integration and Relationships

Joining a new locker room can rattle any rookie, but Tubbs has handled it with real maturity. You can see how fast he earned trust from veteran defenders and goalkeepers—they really value his calm presence and how clearly he communicates.

He calls his teammates supportive and competitive, which keeps training sharp. That vibe has helped him balance learning and contributing, especially during times when D.C. United needed more defensive depth.

At Loudoun United, he built relationships that carried over to the senior team. A lot of those players train together all the time, so when he got recalled, the transition just felt smoother.

Tubbs’s steady personality and willingness to listen have made him an easy fit within both squads. His connection with coaches and teammates keeps shaping his role as a reliable center back for D.C. United, wearing number 16 with a kind of quiet confidence.