The Charleston Battery announced the addition of forward Josh Penn to the roster on loan from Inter Miami CF for the remainder of the 2021 season, pending league and federation approval.
The 20-year-old was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Miami and has made two appearances for the Herons this season. Penn has also made 10 appearances with Miami’s USL League One affiliate Fort Lauderdale CF, registering two goals and one assist.
“I’m really excited to be in Charleston and to help this team win games,” said Penn. “The team has been on a good run of games so hopefully I can help them keep going with that, I’m just happy to get going with this club.”
Prior to Miami, Penn was Indy Eleven’s first USL Academy contract signing during the 2019 preseason before being signed to the senior team later that year, making five total appearances. Josh then moved to the college ranks, competing in a successful season at Indiana University in fall 2019. With the Hoosiers, Penn tallied six goals and two assists en route to the Big Ten regular season and postseason tournament titles. For his exceptional play during the campaign, Penn was named All-Big Ten Second Team and the All-Big Ten Freshman Team. Penn returned to Indy Eleven in 2020 but did not feature for the side.
As a former Indiana Hoosier, Penn has an immediate tie to Head Coach Michael Anhaeuser.
“Having a connection, as fellow Hoosiers, with Coach Anhaeuser is something special and something I’m excited to be a part of,” said Penn.
The Illinois native has also competed on the international stage, representing the United States with the U-19 National Team in two appearances in 2018. Penn played against now-current teammate Nicque Daley on September 11, 2018 when his team took on the Jamaica U-20 squad. Penn scored his only international goal during a 4-1 victory over Jamaica.
Penn will wear number 24 and joins the Black and Yellow ahead of the team’s road match against The Miami FC on Sunday, August 1.
