CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Friday the club had re-signed goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper and forward Heviel Cordoves for the 2017 season, pending league and federation approval.

Both Cooper and Cordoves are entering their fifth seasons with the Battery. The Cubans arrived in Charleston in 2012 after defecting to the United States during a trip to Toronto for a World Cup Qualifier, following the path to the Battery forged by current Seattle Sounders FC captain Osvaldo Alonso. The two have been mainstays in the Battery’s lineup since their arrival.

Cooper was Mike Anhaeuser’s first choice goalkeeper during the 2013, 2014 and 2015 seasons, making 70 appearances in his first three years in Charleston. He was selected an All-League Second Team selection and earned the Battery’s Most Valuable Player award in 2015. In 2016 Cooper split time with Atlanta United FC goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.