CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Monday the club had signed defender Graham Smith to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transactions is pending league and federation approval.

A 2022 Championship All-League selection, Graham joins the Battery having spent the past two seasons with fellow Championship club Memphis 901 FC. The 28-year-old center back made 64 appearances for Memphis, recording 285 clearances, 61 interceptions and 306 recoveries while posting a duel success rate of 62.7 percent and tackle success rate of 69.8 percent.

“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-foot-3 veteran had previously competed in the Championship for Sporting Kansas City II having been selected with the 18th pick of the 2018 Major League Soccer SuperDraft by Sporting Kansas City. During that time he also made 17 appearances in the top flight while logging 66 appearances with SKC II. Overall, Smith has made 130 appearances in the Championship, recording 11,149 minutes of play.

“Graham is an All-League level center-back with a very good defensive skill set,” said 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.”

Analysis

For the second time this offseason, Charleston Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann has brought one of the key pieces from former club Memphis 901 FC to the Lowcountry with Graham Smith offering a third strong center back option alongside the returning Leland Archer and Juan Sebastian Palma for the defending Eastern Conference title holder.

Smith has been an impressive figure over his past two seasons in Memphis – in addition to his defensive prowess, his five goals in the 2022 season saw him earn Championship All-League Second Team honors – and he should have immediate chemistry with fellow offseason arrival Aaron Molloy and returning goalkeeper Trey Muse and midfielder Chris Allan. With his size and ability to read the game, Smith figures to be a key part as the Battery look to take their defensive consistency to another level in 2024.