The Charleston Battery are pleased to announce the signing of midfielders Bradyn Cobb and Matthew Dean to USL Academy contracts on Friday, pending league and federation approval.
Cobb is a Charleston native and senior at Oceanside Collegiate Academy. He will now represent his hometown team on an Academy deal.
“It’s surreal to play for the hometown club I’ve always supported and to continue living out my dream,” said Cobb. “I’m honored to have this opportunity to play alongside an exceptional group of professionals on the fields that I grew up on.”
Dean, a Kennesaw, Ga., native, first arrived in Charleston during the January Open Tryout and earned a spot in the next evaluation rounds and preseason before signing an Academy contract.
“It’s been an awesome experience to be here and play with such a talented group of guys,” said Dean. “Everyone, from the team to the staff, has been very welcoming and I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
The USL Academy contracts allow players to gain experience at the professional level in Charleston while still preserving their college soccer eligibility.
“It is vital to the future of our club, and football in general, that young players earn these opportunities to thrive,” said Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “Matthew and Bradyn have shown their abilities to compete in this team and at this level, and we are so thrilled to have them a part of our family.”
Cobb won the 2023 Class AA State Championship with Oceanside as a junior. Outside high school, Cobb has played for development side SC Surf Soccer Club and Elite Futsal Charleston. He is verbally committed to playing Division I soccer at the University of South Carolina Upstate.
Dean has signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play Division I soccer at Georgia Southern University in the fall. He previously played for the youth club NTH-NASA of the Elite Club National League (ECNL) and for River Ridge High School. He will graduate in the spring.
The signings of Cobb and Dean mark the first Academy additions of 2024.
Cobb and Dean will wear the numbers 34 and 33, respectively, and will be available for selection for the Battery’s upcoming home match against New Mexico United on March 23.
2024 Roster
Goalkeepers: Adam Grinwis, Daniel Kuzemka
Defenders: Leland Archer, Nathan Dossantos, Josh Drack, Juan Sebastian Palma, Mark Segbers, Graham Smith
Midfielders: Chris Allan, Bradyn Cobb (A), Robbie Crawford, Matthew Dean (A), Aaron Molloy, Arturo Rodriguez, Juan David Torres, Emilio Ycaza
Forwards: Jackson Conway, Diego Gutiérrez, Jake LaCava, Nick Markanich, MD Myers
Cobb and Dean are in for 2024, are you? Experience the Battery like never before with a Season Membership! Members enjoy a host of benefits, including significant per-match savings, Member-only exclusive events, merch discounts and more! Explore the options today:
