CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Friday the club had reached a transfer agreement with the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer for goalkeeper Trey Muse. The transaction is pending league and federation approval and per club policy the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Muse joins the Timbers after turning in a career year with the Battery that saw him lead the club to the 2023 USL Championship Final. The 6-foot-4 shot-stopper set a career-high 13 clean sheets in a season in 2023, which tied for most in the league, along with making 86 saves across 37 Championship matches.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my time with the Battery,” said Muse. “I grew in areas on the field thanks to the club, coaching staff and my teammates, and off of the field by being part of the Charleston community.

“I cannot thank the fans enough for their support; the team and I would not have been able to have such a special year last season if it wasn’t for them. This club and city will forever be special to me and I’ll always be incredibly appreciative of my time in Charleston.”

A Louisville, Ky., native, Muse’s single season in Charleston was one to remember. His 13 clean sheets were the most by a Battery goalkeeper since Dusty Hudock’s mark of 13 in 2009 across all competitions. Muse was a three-time Championship Team of the Week honoree, a two-time Player of the Week winner and finished as Eastern Conference champion in 2023.

The transfer showcases one of the Battery’s goals of elevating and developing players to take their talents to the next level, domestically and abroad.

“We are very excited for Trey and his family to be able to make the transfer to MLS and the Portland Timbers,” said Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “We want to be a club with a growth mindset and a holistic approach to football and lifestyles.

“This is another example of how we balance our competitive aspirations while simultaneously providing platforms for our players to be the best versions of themselves. I imagine our club will have more players continue to earn these opportunities while we strive to win more trophies.”

Analysis

Trey Muse’s transfer to the Portland Timbers comes after a stellar campaign in which the 24-year-old came into his own as the starter for the Battery, starting all-but-one contest across the regular season and playoffs while recording 86 saves. Muse’s overall numbers were tilted by a pair of lopsided losses during the regular season, but his quality shone more consistently and almost helped the Battery earn the Championship title with a pair of saves in the shootout.

The sale also continues the trend of USL Championship clubs moving players on to Major League Soccer clubs. Last year, six players were transferred to MLS sides from the Championship, a league-high that figures to continue to rise as the talent throughout the division continues to turn heads.

The Battery will now try to find a replacement prior to the preseason, with goalkeeper Daniel Kuzemka remaining in place and poised to compete for the starting spot after having his contract option exercised previously this offseason.