The Charleston Battery are pleased to confirm the signing of midfielder Johnny Klein on Friday, pending league and federation approval. Klein joins the Battery’s 2025 roster after starting his professional career with MLS side St. Louis CITY SC.
Klein, 25, featured for St. Louis and their MLS NEXT Pro side from 2023 to 2024 after being selected 30th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. Klein made his MLS debut on May 23, 2023, and featured in 16 matches for the first team, recording one goal and one assist in the past two seasons.
“The Battery drew my interest as a potential landing spot because of their excellent results and achievements throughout the past few seasons,” said Klein. “The Battery are a top USL club and a group I wanted to be a part of.
“I’m most looking forward to being a part of a club that is adamant about chasing trophies year in and year out. Additionally, I am excited to experience the soccer community and culture in Charleston.”
A native of Columbia, Missouri, Klein enjoyed a prolific rookie season in 2023 with CITY2. The midfielder tallied 13 goals and four assists across 28 games in his first professional season in MLS NEXT Pro. Klein then recorded six goals and six assists in 20 appearances with CITY2 in his sophomore season while splitting time with the first team.
“Johnny is a player who fits our club’s style almost to perfection as he is constantly active around the opponents’ goal,” said Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “We are thrilled to have him in our club and can’t wait for him to push every day. He was at the top of the league in creating chances and has some of the country’s best pressing instincts and production. Johnny has a great attitude and wants to do whatever it takes to help his teammates win.”
Klein played collegiately at St. Louis University from 2018 to 2022. His senior season, he was named Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year and was a four-time all-conference selection for the Billikens. Klein finished his SLU career 16th in school history with 85 career points (29 goals and 27 assists) and led the NCAA in total assists (15) and assists per game (0.75) in 2021.
Prior to turning pro, Klein competed with USL League Two sides Chicago FC United, St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC and Kaw Valley FC, and was part of the the Sporting Kansas City and Portland Timbers academies.
Klein is looking forward to integrating himself into the squad ahead of the preseason starting in January.
“From what I have heard about the squad, they are a very talented group who play an entertaining brand of soccer,” said Klein. “However, they have a certain grit about them, making it no coincidence of their recent success. These characteristics match my play style well and are another reason why it seemed to be the right fit.”
Klein will wear the number 19.
The addition of Klein brings the Battery’s total number of players to 16. 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.
Johnny is locked in for 2025, so should you! Elevate your Battery supporter experience with a Season Membership, now with reduced pricing to save fans up to 50% on tickets in 2025. Members enjoy a host of additional benefits, including exclusive events, team store discounts, priority access and more! Explore the options today: https://www.charlestonbattery.com/membership/
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Daniel Kuzemka
Defenders: Leland Archer, Langston Blackstock, Nathan Dossantos, Josh Drack, Graham Smith, Mark Segbers
Midfielders: Chris Allan, Johnny Klein, Aaron Molloy, Arturo Rodriguez, Juan David Torres, Emilio Ycaza
Forwards: Douglas Martínez, MD Myers, Zeke Soto
