USL Charleston Battery

Charleston Battery Ink 2022 All-League Defender Graham Smith to Multi-Year Deal

Published on December 11, 2023 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Battery are excited to announce the signing of defender Graham Smith to a multi-year contract on Monday, pending league and federation approval. The 2022 All-League selection bolsters Charleston's back line ahead of the 2024 campaign.

Smith, 28, has been one of the top center-backs in the USL Championship recently and brings experience from the Championship and Major League Soccer.

"Excited to join such a well-run and ambitious organization," said Smith. "Everything I've heard of the city, the club and the people involved has been top-class."

The 6-3 center-back's 2023 season was a true tour de force in anchoring Memphis 901 FC's defense. Smith led Memphis in clearances (133), blocks (15) and aerial duels won (91) across 30 appearances in the regular season and playoffs. He additionally contributed two assists and one goal.

Smith was an All-League Second Team selection in 2022 when he played under Head Coach Ben Pirmann in Memphis. He also led the team in clearances (152), blocks (26) and aerial duels won (89) that year.

"Graham is an All-League level center-back with a very good defensive skill set," said Coach Pirmann. "He is a very hard worker and is a selfless teammate. Graham has the desire to win, he understands our demands and structure, and will be an invaluable asset to our team."

Smith began his professional career in 2018 when he was drafted 18th overall in the MLS SuperDraft by Sporting Kansas City, debuting in MLS later that year. The defender made 21 appearances with Sporting across four seasons and also featured for Sporting KC II during his stay in Kansas.

A native of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Smith played collegiately at the University of Denver, where he led the Pioneers to the NCAA Tournament semifinals in 2016 and garnered multiple all-conference honors across two seasons. Smith played for Oregon State University for two seasons before transferring back to his home state.

Smith is looking forward to the next chapter of his career in the Lowcountry.

"My goal is to contribute to building on the success the club had last year," said Smith. "I really enjoyed my time with both coaches Ben Pirmann and Devin Rensing in 2022 and am thrilled to be playing under them again. They are very clear with their expectations and get the most out of the group. I'm also very happy to be competing alongside those old teammates again next year instead of against them."

2024 Roster

Goalkeepers: Trey Muse, Daniel Kuzemka

Defenders: Leland Archer, Juan Sebastian Palma, Graham Smith

Midfielders: Chris Allan, Fidel Barajas, Robbie Crawford, Aaron Molloy, Arturo Rodriguez, Emilio Ycaza

Forwards: Nick Markanich, Tristan Trager

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from December 11, 2023


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