January 17, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Charleston Battery News Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Jan. 17, 2024) – The Charleston Battery are pleased to announce the signing of forward Diego Gutierrez to the 2024 roster, pending league and federation approval.
The 25-year-old forward featured for Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer the previous two years, along with stints with Timbers 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.
“The rich history of the club attracted me, the Battery are known for doing things the right way and it will always be a top destination for players,” said Gutierrez. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the staff and my teammates during the preseason, and the Charleston fans very soon.”
Gutierrez made his MLS debut on March 12, 2022, and would make 12 appearances for the Timbers across all 2022-23 competitions, recording one assist. With Timbers 2, Gutierrez scored seven goals and added one assist across 21 matches.
Head Coach Ben Pirmann is looking forward to integrating Gutierrez into the game plan.
“Diego is a very elusive and dynamic attacking player,” said Coach Pirmann. “He can take on players one-on-one and he selflessly looks to set up his teammates for chances. Diego has the drive to showcase his aggression on both offense and defense while helping the team do whatever we can to win.”
Gutierrez’s professional began when he was drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Portland, subsequently signing with the club.
A native of Omaha, Neb., Gutierrez played collegiately at the University of Nebraska Omaha and later Creighton University, shining for both programs.
With Creighton, Gutierrez was a two-time BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year and two-time First Team All-BIG EAST selection. In three seasons at UNO, Gutierrez entered the program record books with top-10 ranks across numerous scoring metrics and was a First Team All-Summit League selection in 2018.
Gutierrez is also of Mexican descent and holds dual citizenship for the U.S. and Mexico.
Gutierrez is eager to start the upcoming campaign with the Battery.
“It’s very exciting, I know we have a good group of guys,” said Gutierrez. “We’re all hungry and we all know what we want to accomplish throughout the season. When you’re surrounded by people with the same goals and mindset, it makes everything else easier.”
2024 Roster
Goalkeepers: Daniel Kuzemka
Defenders: Leland Archer, Josh Drack, Juan Sebastian Palma, Mark Segbers, Graham Smith
Midfielders: Chris Allan,…
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