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The Charleston Battery’s 2023 squad set league and club records en route to capturing the Eastern Conference title and finishing as USL Championship Finalists. Under Head Coach Ben Pirmann’s guidance, the club currently has produced four players to go on to top-flight competition from that team.
Dante Polvara (Aberdeen FC of the Scottish Premiership), Trey Muse (Portland Timbers of MLS), Fidel Barajas (Real Salt Lake of MLS) and Derek Dodson (Minnesota United FC of MLS) all made the jump to the next level.
Polvara arrived in Charleston on loan from Aberdeen after making only a handful of appearances for the Scottish side. His time with the Battery proved to be a renaissance for the midfielder, appearing in all 21 matches through June, the only player to do so, before returning to Scotland. He tallied one goal and two assists while being a force as a defensive midfielder.
The revitalized Polvara was awarded a contract extension with Aberdeen and has been a regular piece for The Dons, featuring in 25 of their 32 matches this season. Polvara has particularly shined on the European stage, recording two goals and one assist in the UEFA Europa Conference League. He additionally helped them reach the Scottish League Cup Final.
“I knew it was a great decision, a place I already miss so much and will always visit,” said Polvara, following his loan spell. “I think those few months were important for me, to be playing games and learning from the coaching staff, the USL Championship has plenty of quality and it was a good challenge every week.”
Muse made the move to MLS following a sensational 2023 season for the Battery. The shot-stopper co-led the league in shutouts with 13 (regular season and playoffs) and tallied the seventh-most saves with 86. Muse’s 13 clean sheets were the most by a Battery goalkeeper since Dusty Hudock’s mark of 13 in 2009.
Barajas completed a transfer to RSL after a historic first full professional season that was rich with awards, records and accolades. The 2023 Championship Young Player of the Year and All-League selection led the USLC in assists with 11. That mark tied a club record set in 2000. The 17-year-old’s development saw him score five goals along with becoming the youngest goalscorer in club history at 16 years, 11 months and 20 days old.
Dodson impressed throughout the 2023 campaign to earn the jump to Minnesota. The converted full-back played the most matches (38) and logged the most minutes (3,433) for the Battery in Championship play. Dodson led the team in duels won (285) and tackles won (56), in addition to scoring three goals and four assists. He often showcased his ability to tilt games in the Battery’s favor on both offense and defense.
“We have been intent with our goal of being a club that attracts top talent, develops them to their potential and moves them to a higher level,” said Club Chairman Rob Salvatore following Barajas’ transfer. “Our point of view has always been that player development, featuring young players and winning are not mutually exclusive, and I feel strongly they are all highly correlated.”