November 22, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Charleston Battery News Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced Monday the initial slate of roster moves heading into the 2023 season, featuring 10 key players returning from the 2022 squad. The returnees range from veterans to second-year players eager to seize upon the momentum of the rookie campaigns.
Returning players include defenders AJ Paterson, Leland Archer and Benji Ettienne; midfielders Andrew Booth, Robbie Crawford, Fidel Barajas, Avionne Flanagan and Joe Schmidt; forwards Augustine Williams and Aidan Apodaca. The squad will serve as a foundation to build upon as the Battery progress toward the opening match of the season.
“We are thrilled to have these 10 young men return to the Battery for the 2023 season,” said Coach Pirmann. “We have a great mixture of experienced veterans and young players ready to break out. One thing all 10 have in common is they’re ready and willing to serve this club and community, and play with energy and selflessness.
“The USL Championship season is grueling and will undoubtedly have highs and lows. In order to achieve greatness on and off the field, we must have players that are willing to suffer together and persevere through the tough moments, and this group reflects those qualities.”
The backline partnership of AJ Paterson and Leland Archer continues for a fifth consecutive season, with Grenada international Benji Ettienne entering his second club season alongside his compatriot Paterson. Archer comes into the 2023 season as the longest-tenured player on the Battery with 100 matches played across all competitions since 2018.
In the midfield, Robbie Crawford enters his third season with the club and Andrew Booth will look to build upon his exciting first year in Charleston. Fidel Barajas and Joe Schmidt will both aim to seize the momentum of their productive rookie campaigns. Avionne Flanagan’s versatility along the left flank sees him transition to the midfield.
Returning to Charleston are their top-two goalscorers from 2022 in forwards Augustine Williams and Aidan Apodaca. Williams bagged 16 goals in what was a banner year for the Sierra Leone international that was capped off with All-League honors. Apodaca, six goals, made the most regular season appearances (33) and was tied for the most chances created (32) for the Battery last year.
“Even though I’ve only been on the job a short amount of time, I am really enjoying the…