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USL-1 Charleston Battery

Battery signs Osvaldo Alonso & Tim Velten

April 8, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery has signed former Cuban national team midfielder Osvaldo Alonso for the upcoming USL First Division season. Alonso played for the Battery on trial during the recent Carolina Challenge Cup matches; he featured in each game and registered an assist during Charleston's 2-0 victory versus Major League Soccer's Toronto F.C. The Battery has also agreed to terms with defender Tim Velten who comes to Charleston from the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL2); both players sign pending USSF approval.

Alonso defected from the Cuban national team last July during the 2007 Gold Cup, he joins Battery striker Lester Moré who defected with Alonso during the tournament and signed with the Battery earlier this year.

A native of San Cristóbal, Cuba, Alonso is the former captain of the Cuban Olympic team; he has been capped 17 times for the full national team and scored 2 goals.

Alonso, 5-11, 165 lbs., 21 yrs previously played for Pinar del Río in the Cuban First Division.

Tim Velten

Defender Tim Velten joins the Battery from the Harrisburg City Islanders of the USL Second Division. Velten impressed while on trial with the Battery during the Carolina Challenge Cup and played every minute of the tournament.

A native of St. Louis, MO, Velten played 23 games for Harrisburg in 2007 scoring 1 goal and was a member of the USL Second Division championship winning team. Velten, 6-0, 168 lbs., 24 yrs., split his college career between Louisville (2004 - 2005) and SIU Edwardsville (2002 - 2003).

Battery kicks off season on Saturday in Miami

The Charleston Battery opens its season on Saturday night in Miami with a game versus the Miami FC blues; kick off is set for 7:30 PM. The game is available in Charleston Real 1340 AM and is also available via a live video stream on the web at www.USLLive.com.

Battery single game tickets on sale

Single game tickets for the upcoming USL First Division season are on sale now at the Charleston Battery box office (843) 971-GOAL or online at www.charlestonbattery.com. The Battery's 2008 home opener is set for Saturday, April 19 versus the defending champions, the Seattle Sounders. Tickets are just $8 - $15; the game versus Seattle also includes a post-game fireworks display.

2008 Season Tickets

The Charleston Battery will kick off its 16th season of pro soccer on Saturday, April 19; season ticket packages are on sale now starting at $120; to purchase tickets or for more information please call (843) 971-GOAL or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics



USL First Division Stories from April 8, 2008


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