CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Friday the club had signed midfielder Arturo Rodríguez for the 2023 USL Championship season. Rodríguez, the 2019 USL League One MVP, brings an attacking dynamic to the Battery’s midfield and will be eligible for selection in the club’s home contest against the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday night.

I’m excited for the opportunity that the club has given me and can’t wait to hear the fans cheer on Saturday,” said Rodríguez. “I’m really looking forward to being part of the great energy with the team. My goals are to have a good year with the squad and to achieve all the team’s ambitions this season.”

The 24-year-old spent the previous two seasons with fellow USL Championship club Phoenix Rising FC, tallying six goals and eight assists in 53 league contests. Rodríguez was a leader in Phoenix’s forward movement, registering 38 chances created in 2022 (third-most on the team) and 52 in 2021 (fourth-most).

A native of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, the midfielder’s breakout campaign came in 2019 with North Texas SC. He took home both the USL League One MVP and Young Player of the Year awards in addition to claiming the League One title. He scored the game-winning goal against Greenville Triumph SC in the League One Final, earning the game’s MVP honor.

Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann likes where he sees Rodríguez making an impact with the squad.

“Arturo is a very experienced midfielder, he’s an attacking-minded playmaker that is looking to set up his teammates,” said Pirmann. “He has the energy to provide defensive pressure but also the skill set to create and finish chances in the final third.”