Goalkeeper: 2015 All-League selection Odisnel Cooper re-signed with the club this offseason after taking somewhat of a back seat to Atlanta United FC loanee Alex Tambakis a year ago, and will be looking to regain his No. 1 spot in goal for the Battery. Tambakis, who made 21 appearances between the regular season and playoffs, could be a candidate to return on loan this year from Atlanta, after competing for the Battery during the Carolina Challenge Cup.

Defense: The core of one of the USL’s best back lines returns, with center back Taylor Mueller and fullbacks O’Brian Woodbine and Quinton Griffith all rating highly a season ago. With Shawn Ferguson’s decision to retire at the end of last season, the Battery signed former Toronto FC II and MLS SuperDraft First Round selection Skylar Thomas, and he will compete with returning center back Forrest Lasso for a place alongside Mueller. Another new signing, Tah Brian Anunga, will provide cover at fullback, while also having the versatility to play in midfield.

Midfield: The Battery’s midfield has all of its key elements back in place, with holding midfielder Justin Portillo – who had six goals and four assists a year ago – back after acute appendicitis ruled him out of the playoffs late last season. Maikel Chang also returns after a season that saw him scored six goals and add six assists. The duo of Trinidad & Tobago internationals Neveal Hackshaw and Ataullah Guerra also return, as does local standout Dante Marini after recording more than 1,000 minutes of action for the first time a year ago.

Forward: The Battery’s leading scorer from a season ago, Romario Williams, is back on loan with the squad after being acquired by Atlanta this offseason, and looks set to lead an attack that will also have Cuban forward Heviel Cordoves back for his fourth season after re-signing this offseason. Another player arriving on loan for a second year is Atlanta youngster Jeffrey Otoo, while the prospect of seeing U.S. U17 international Andrew Carleton back in Battery colors on loan from Atlanta, as well, would certainly be a pleasing one for Charleston’s fans.