Nicholas Markanich is a Filipino-American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for USL Championship club Charleston Battery.
Early life
Markanich was born on December 26, 1999. He grew up in Bourbonnais, Illinois and attended Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School. He played as part of the Chicago Fire for a period.
In 2018, he matriculated to Northern Illinois University, where he played for the Huskies soccer team. Over his four years at NIU, he started in 68 of his 69 appearances and scored 39 goals.
While at college, Markanich played with USL League Two side Green Bay Voyageurs between 2019 and 2021, without the 2020 season been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He made a total of 15 appearances, scoring five goals and tallying three assists.
Career
Markanich was selected by FC Cincinnati in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. He was chosen as the 2nd pick in the 2nd round of the draft, or the 30th overall pick. He was signed to a contract for the 2022 season (with options through the 2025 season) on February 21, 2022. He started in FC Cincinnati's first match of the season on February 26. Markanich was released by Cincinnati following their 2022 season.
On February 16, 2023, Markanich signed with USL Championship side Charleston Battery following a successful trial.
Personal life
Markanich has a twin brother, Anthony Markanich, who also plays soccer. Anthony was drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.