CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Tuesday the club had signed defender Langston Blackstock to a multi-year contract ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The full-back joins the Battery as a free agent after spending the past two seasons with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. The attacking-minded defender developed into a regular fixture in the Hounds’ lineup last season and appeared in 61 matches across all competitions over his two seasons with the club, recording one goal and six assists.

“I was very interested in joining the Battery because of the rich history of the club, the style of play and the constant battle for trophies,” said Blackstock. “I love the attacking football the team has played and constantly being on the front foot each and every match. I’m looking forward to the chance to work with this amazing staff and great group of players, as well as playing in front of the home fans.”

Blackstock helped Pittsburgh secure silverware in his rookie campaign by winning the 2023 Players' Shield alongside then-teammate and current Battery defender Nathan Dossantos. Last season, Blackstock ranked second for the Hounds in chances created (31), along with 31 interceptions, 33 tackles won, 40 clearances and 112 duels won.

“Langston has played over 60 matches at this level and has shown that he can be a player who will continue to push our club forward, on and off the field,” said Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “He has the ability to impact games from a variety of positions with a plethora of skills. Langston is a strong athlete with a good ability to get up and down the pitch. He is courageous and selfless, and is willing to do the maximum amount of work to help his team succeed.”

Blackstock began his college career at Coastal Carolina University before transferring to Clayton State University after his freshman year. Playing as a forward, Blackstock scored 32 goals across 65 career games, and was a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Team selection and three-time all-conference honoree.

 Blackstock also competed with USL League Two side Southern Soccer Academy in 2021 and 2022 while at Clayton State.

A native of Marietta, Ga., Blackstock is also excited to be playing closer to home in the Southeast.

“I am definitely looking forward to playing in Southeast again and being able to have my family and friends at more games,” said Blackstock. “I am very excited about that and playing in the warm weather I grew up in.”