The Charleston Battery has announced initial roster plans ahead of the 2019 season. The terms of individual contracts will not be released per Club policy.

The Battery will bring back 12 players from the squad that finished fourth in the USL Eastern Conference and clinched the Club’s eleventh consecutive playoff berth in 2018. Captain Taylor Mueller returns as well as All-League selections Ataulla Guerra and Tah Brian Anunga. Goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky will also be back in black and yellow after finishing his second season with the fourth-most clean sheets in the league.

Mike Anhaeuser’s 2019 roster currently includes: goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky; defenders Taylor Mueller, Leland Archer, Jay Bolt, and Jarad van Schaik; midfielders Tah Brian Anunga, Angelo Kelly, Nico Rittmeyer, and Kotaro Higashi; forwards Ataulla Guerra, Ian Svantesson, and Romario Piggott

With just over two months until the 15th Carolina Challenge Cup, Anhaeuser is excited to have a number of key players returning for 2019. “With the tremendous growth of the league, it is a huge benefit for the Club and coaching staff to be able to bring back a quality core of players every season,” said Anhaeuser. “We’re looking forward to continuing to build the roster around these players.”

The Club is in ongoing negotiations with other members of the 2018 roster not listed. Additional player announcements will be made in the coming weeks.

The loan agreements for Gordon Wild and Patrick Okonkwo have expired. The forwards returned to their parent club, Atlanta United, at the conclusion of the 2018 season.

Current Charleston Battery Roster

Goalkeepers: Joe Kuzminsky

Defenders: Taylor Mueller, Leland Archer, Jay Bolt, Jarad van Schaik

Midfielders: Tah Brian Anunga, Angelo Kelly, Nico Rittmeyer, Kotaro Higashi

Forwards: Ataulla Guerra, Romario Piggott, Ian Svantesson

Anhaesuer and his staff will continue to add to the 2019 roster as the Club’s 27th season approaches. The Battery will host open trials at MUSC Health Stadium on January 25-26 and February 8-9.

The 2019 season kicks off with Challenge Cup on February 16, 20, and 23. CCC will feature the Chicago Fire, FC Cincinnati, and a third confirmed MLS club. Tickets for the tournament are on sale now at charlestonbattery.com. All season ticket plans include Challenge Cup.

For up to date roster information, follow the Charleston Battery on Twitter (@Chas_Battery), Facebook (@charlestonbattery) and Instagram (@charlestonbattery).