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Battery bring aboard Colombian defender Juan Sebastián Palma

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 12/27/22, 9:23AM EST

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Former youth international appeared in 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup, arrives from Once Caldas


The Charleston Battery have signed Colombia defender Juan Sebastián Palma ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season.

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Tuesday the club had signed Colombian defender Juan Sebastián Palma ahead of the 2023 USL Championship season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Palma arrives in Charleston after spending the past five seasons with Colombian top-flight side Once Caldas. He has made 24 appearances across all competitions for the club, primarily as a center back. The 23-year-old averaged 7.3 duels, 4.6 interceptions and 11.6 recoveries per 90 minutes in 2022.

“As soon as I heard of this opportunity I didn't think twice; I wanted to take on the challenge,” said Palma. “It is clear that I am joining a team with a lot of history, and I am excited by the plans the club has. I know the Charleston Battery are an important part of the community, as was my previous club Once Caldas in Colombia, and I am really motivated.

“I want to continue to develop my game and experience a different type of football by moving to the USL Championship. It is a big step for me and it is my first experience playing abroad; I’m hoping to help the team win, which is the most important thing.”

A native of Puerto Carreño, Colombia, Palma has previously represented his country at the youth international level. At 19 years old, he helped the Colombia U-21’s win the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games title, appearing in five matches and scoring one goal. He was called up again in 2019 with the U-20’s for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland, making three appearances while reaching the Quarterfinals.

Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann is enthusiastic about bringing aboard the quick and assertive defender.

“Sebastián has an incredible pedigree as a player and has had top performances at the youth international level, he is a strong leader and tough defender,” said Pirmann. “He’s eager to defend, loves to be aggressive, has pace and is powerful in his actions.

“Additionally, he has shown a willingness to step outside of his comfort zone and wants to serve the Battery and the Charleston community. We will help Sebastián transition to a new culture and new lifestyle, as he will help us to broaden our playing style with his adaptability.”

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