(Have photos to go with this story? Email pics to Web and Content Editor / Director of News Dan Stickradt at dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com and also list the photo credit as well.)
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery are pleased to announce Friday the re-signing of goalkeeper Christian Garner from free agency, pending league and federation approval. Garner adds to the Battery’s goalkeeping corps alongside Luis Zamudio and Daniel Kuzemka.
Garner rejoins Charleston after spending a portion of the 2024 season on a short-term loan from Greenville Triumph SC. The shot-stopper recorded a clean sheet in his lone Battery appearance, making three saves and one punch in the 5-0 victory over Indy Eleven on August 2.
“I'm really excited to be back with Charleston this season,” said Garner. “My brief time here last season gave me a great appreciation for the club, the fans and the community. From the coaching staff to my teammates and the front office, everyone made me feel welcome, and I really enjoyed the environment.”
The 6-0 goalkeeper split time as the No. 1 in Greenville in 2024, posting four clean sheets in 15 matches in the USL League One regular season and Jägermeister Cup.
Garner competed for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in his rookie campaign in 2023, helping them win the Players’ Shield alongside former Hounds teammates and current Battery players Nathan Dossantos and Zamudio.
“Although Christian was only with us for a short-term loan last season, he made a strong impact on the team,” said Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “He is selfless, adaptable and wants to win. Christian is a very good goalkeeper with consistent shot-stopping abilities and has a solid vision of how the position should be managed."
“Goalkeeper is probably the toughest position in football as it tends to be an absolute playing process. We need an exceptional corps of goalkeepers who will do whatever it takes to help this club, and Christian fits that mold perfectly. We are thrilled to have him back representing the Battery.”
A native of Orleans, Mass., Garner played collegiately at Boston College and Northwestern University, along with USL League Two side Seacoast United Phantoms.
After his brief loan stint in the Lowcountry in 2024, Garner is looking forward to being a permanent member of the Battery in 2025.
“Coach Pirmann has built a very strong team this season with a clear vision of winning trophies, and I’m excited about contributing more this season,” said Garner. “The locker room is made up of a great group of guys, and we are here to win silverware. The club has created a winning culture and our expectations are very high. I am also excited to get to know the community here in Charleston more and give back in any way I can.”
Garner will wear the number 1.
The addition of Garner brings the Battery’s total number of players to 22. The club will continue to assess players and construct the roster in the build-up to the season opener on March 8 against Louisville City FC.
CHARLESTON BATTERY 2025 ROSTER
(as of Feb. 14)
Goalkeepers: Christian Garner, Daniel Kuzemka, Luis Zamudio
Defenders: Joey Akpunonu, Leland Archer, Langston Blackstock, Nathan Dossantos, Josh Drack, Graham Smith, Mark Segbers
Midfielders: Chris Allan, Johnny Klein, Houssou Landry, Aaron Molloy, Viggo Ortiz (A), Arturo Rodriguez, Juan David Torres, Emilio Ycaza
Forwards: Jackson Conway, Douglas Martínez, MD Myers, Zeke Soto
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the National Soccer Network regarding club/youth soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with ties to a particular state or states, contact Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 32-year veteran of the Michigan and national media circles and recently joined the staff full time at PMG in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/NSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
PREMIER MEDIA GROUP / NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK / MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK ON-LINE AND SOCIAL MEDIA
MICHIGAN SOCCER NETWORK ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/misoccernetwork
NATIONAL SOCCER NETWORK ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561215500230
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/misoccernetwork/
ROKU TV: The National Soccer Network (NSN) is available on Roku TV through the NSN Sports Network app.
— All Rights Reserved, Premier Media Group / Michigan Soccer Network / National Soccer Network
Comments