USL-1 Charleston Battery

Battery signs Ben Hollingsworth, Gabe Bernstein and Chris Riley

Published on March 10, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery has signed three young prospects for the 2005 USL First Division season. Midfielder Ben Hollingsworth joins the Battery after an outstanding four-year college career with the College of Charleston. Gabe Bernstein and Chris Riley join the Battery for their rookie pro-seasons after impressing at the final Battery player trial held in February. Bernstein comes to the Battery from Penn State University; Riley spent two years at Herkimer County Community College and two at Wright State University.

Charleston Battery Head Coach, Mike Anhaeuser,

"We have signed three young players that all bring different qualities to the team. I've known Ben since his days with the Mt. Pleasant Soccer Club and he has grown as a player through his success with the College of Charleston, especially this last season. Gabe and Chris both impressed the coaching staff at our final combine and I'm confident that they will work hard to solidify their respective positions within the team."

Ben Hollingsworth

Midfielder, Ben Hollingsworth led the College of Charleston offense in 2004 with 9 goals and 1 assist in 22 games played. Hollingsworth scored game-winning goals in three SoCon Tournament matches in 2004 and was named College Soccer News' National Player of the Week (11/15/04). Hollingsworth's four-year totals at the College of Charleston include 73 games played, 16 goals and 14 assists.

A native of Mount Pleasant, SC, Hollingsworth, 5-9, 180 lbs., 22 years attended Bishop England High School for two years, he also was a student at US Soccer's national residency program in Bradenton, Florida.

The College of Charleston had a stellar season in 2004 posting a 17-6-1 overall and 5-1-1 record in the Southern Conference. Their 17 wins put them 14th in the nation in winning percentage this year. The regular season included impressive wins over then 11th-ranked St. John's and then 15th-ranked South Carolina. The Cougars won the 2004 SoCon tournament, advancing to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1996. They defeated South Carolina in the first round before succumbing to UNC Greensboro in the second round.

Gabe Bernstein

Gabe Bernstein comes to the Battery for his rookie pro-season after an outstanding four-year college career at Penn State University. Bernstein played a total of 70 games for PSU scoring 6 goals and adding 4 assists.

A versatile player who can play in either defense or in the midfield, Bernstein, 6-3, 210 lbs., 22yrs., majored in Athletic Administration. A native of Maplewood, NJ, Bernstein attended the final 2005 Charleston Battery player trials held at Blackbaud Stadium in February.

Chris Riley

Midfielder Chris Riley joins the Battery for his first pro-season after a stellar college career that saw him play two years at Herkimer County Community College and two years at Wright State University. While at Herkimer County Community College Riley was part of a team that advanced to the Junior College National Championship final-four both years; Riley captained the side in his senior season. At Wright State University, Riley scored 5 goals and added 13 assists in 40 games played.

A native of Binghamton, New York, Riley 5-10, 155 lbs., 22 yrs., is majoring Physical Education. Riley spent the 2004 season with the PDL Albany Blackwatch Highlanders scoring 1 goal and adding 4 assists.

Carolina Challenge Cup

Tickets for the 2005 Carolina Challenge Cup, March 19 - 25, featuring Major League Soccer's DC United, the Columbus Crew, the San Jose Earthquakes and the Charleston Battery are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets for each doubleheader or for the six match series. Tickets for single doubleheaders (includes two games) are priced at $25 Club / Box & $15 bleacher.

Series Tickets (includes all three double-headers)

Series Tickets - Club / Box $50 - Bleacher $35

Season Ticket Holder Series Tickets - Club / Box $40

Group Discount - Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more please call (843) 971-4625.

Season Tickets

2005 season ticket packages are on sale now with prices starting at only $120. Memberships to the Three Lions Club and Battery Club are still available plus this season the Charleston Battery is offering a new Flex Pack season ticket package. To purchase season tickets or for more information please call (843) 971-GOAL or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics

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USL First Division Stories from March 10, 2005


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