January 5, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Charleston Battery News Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced Friday a permanent transfer agreement of goalkeeper Trey Muse to Major League Soccer side Portland Timbers, pending league and federation approval. Per club policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Muse makes the jump to MLS after turning in a career year with the Battery that saw him lead the club to the 2023 USL Championship Final. The 6-4 shot-stopper set a career-high 13 clean sheets in a season in 2023, which tied for most in the league, along with making 86 saves across 37 Championship matches.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my time with the Battery,” said Muse. “I grew in areas on the field thanks to the club, coaching staff and my teammates, and off of the field by being part of the Charleston community.
“I cannot thank the fans enough for their support; the team and I would not have been able to have such a special year last season if it wasn’t for them. This club and city will forever be special to me and I’ll always be incredibly appreciative of my time in Charleston.”
A Louisville, Ky., native, Muse’s single season in Charleston was one to remember. His 13 clean sheets were the most by a Battery goalkeeper since Dusty Hudock’s mark of 13 in 2009 across all competitions.
Muse was a three-time Championship Team of the Week honoree, a two-time Player of the Week winner and finished as Eastern Conference champion in 2023.
The transfer showcases one of the club’s goals of elevating and developing players to take their talents to the next level, domestically and abroad.
“We are very excited for Trey and his family to be able to make the transfer to MLS and the Portland Timbers,” said Pirmann. “We want to be a club with a growth mindset and a holistic approach to football and lifestyles.
“This is another example of how we balance our competitive aspirations while simultaneously providing platforms for our players to be the best versions of themselves. I imagine our club will have more players continue to earn these opportunities while we strive to win more trophies.”
Muse joins Dante Polvara as a player from the Battery’s 2023 squad who moved on to top-flight competition. Polvara has helped lead Aberdeen FC to the Scottish League Cup Final and scored two goals and one assist in the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage after returning to Scotland from his loan spell in Charleston.
“Trey has plenty of…