CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Monday the club had signed Irish midfielder Aaron Molloy to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Molloy, a two-time USL Championship All-League First Team selection, is the Battery’s first new roster addition of the offseason.

Molloy has been among the top midfielders in the USL Championship the past two seasons and was an MVP finalist in 2022 in addition to consecutive All-League selections. After being Memphis’ captain for the majority of the 2023 season, Molloy now joins the defending Championship Eastern Conference title holders in the Lowcountry. 

“I’m very excited to be joining the Charleston Battery, it’s a great club with a great history,” said Molloy. “I’m eager to play in front of the fans at Patriots Point and build on last year's success.

“I’m also really looking forward to working with coaches Ben Pirmann and Devin Rensing again. They’re two coaches who had a great influence on my career. It’s always nice to reconnect with teammates and friends again, and I’m excited to compete with them this season.”

Molloy was Memphis’ top creative playmaker from 2022-23, registering a club-best 18 assists and 154 chances created across the regular season and playoffs in those two seasons. Molloy also scored 10 goals in that time. His 80 chances created in 2023 were the most in the league.

Molloy was the only player to make the All-League First Team in both 2022 and 2023.

“We are very excited to add Aaron to our group,” said Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “I worked with Aaron in the past when he was runner-up for league MVP and he has shown to be one of the best players in all of the Championship.

“Aaron is a fierce competitor in addition to being a talented footballer. He will acclimate well with our group since he is motivated to win and help this club in every way imaginable.”

Analysis

The Charleston Battery’s first new arrival of the offseason is a marker for what’s to come, with the defending Eastern Conference title holder looking for even bigger and better in the coming campaign. One of the Championship’s elite two-way performers, Aaron Molloy’s reunion with Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann is a major move that adds to an already stout returning midfield unit.

Molloy’s creativity and quality on set pieces has been evident throughout his career. Prior to joining Memphis in 2022 he was nominated for the USL League One Player of the Year award for Forward Madison FC in 2021.

What makes Molloy arguably the most respected midfielder in the league, however, is his ball-winning ability defensively. Over the past two regular seasons, Molloy’s 492 recoveries are the most of any outfield player in the league, while he ranks second in tackles won with 103 and in the Top 10 with 376 duels won. Put it all together and you have a complete package that will elevate the Battery in 2024.