CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Thursday the club had signed goalkeeper Adam Grinwis ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Grinwis arrives in Charleston with years of experience and trophies won in both Major League Soccer and the USL Championship. The 31-year-old most recently played for Orlando City SC of Major League Soccer, where he gained popularity for his heroics in the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with two saves in the penalty shootout against New York City FC to advance to the tournament’s Semifinals. He also helped Orlando lift the Open Cup in 2022.

“The history of success at the club, the coaching staff, and the city of Charleston drew me to joining the club,” said Grinwis. “Once I spoke with coaches Ben Pirmann and Brian Jones, I knew Charleston was a perfect fit for me and my family.”

Grinwis also brings extensive experience in the USL Championship, having made 42 appearances across the regular season and playoffs in the league during his career. Grinwis has competed for the Rochester Rhinos, Saint Louis FC, Real Monarchs SLC and Sacramento Republic FC in his career, posting 12 shutouts and recording 114 saves at a 72.2 percent save percentage.

“Adam is a very athletic and experienced goalkeeper,” said Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “He’s a tremendous leader and is all-in to help the Battery win. Adam has very good reflexes and the ability to make high-end saves, along with being very good with his feet to help build the game from the back.”

Analysis

Following the transfer of 2023 starter Trey Muse to the Portland Timbers this offseason, the Battery have added a reliable veteran in Adam Grinwis who has the history to ensure there’s little drop-off in performance between the sticks in Charleston this season.

Grinwis has achieved success in the Championship previously in his career – his two-season stint with the Rochester Rhinos saw him help the side claim the league title in 2015 – and he’s been a fan favorite elsewhere, including his most recent stop at Orlando City SC. Expect Grinwis to be the starter for the Battery this season and continue to produce good numbers.