CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Friday the club had signed goalkeeper Christian Garner ahead of the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

Garner re-joins the Battery having spent a portion of the 2024 season on a short-term loan from USL League One club Greenville Triumph SC. The shot-stopper recorded a clean sheet in his lone Battery appearance, making three saves and one punch in a 5-0 victory against Indy Eleven last August.  

“I'm really excited to be back with Charleston this season,” said Garner. “My brief time here last season gave me a great appreciation for the club, the fans and the community. From the coaching staff to my teammates and the front office, everyone made me feel welcome, and I really enjoyed the environment.”

 The 6-foot goalkeeper split time as the No. 1 in Greenville in 2024, posting four clean sheets in 15 matches in the USL League One regular season and USL Jägermeister Cup.

Garner had previously competed for Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in his rookie campaign in 2023, helping them win the Players’ Shield alongside former Hounds teammates and current Battery players Nathan Dossantos and Zamudio.

“Although Christian was only with us for a short-term loan last season, he made a strong impact on the team,” said Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “He is selfless, adaptable and wants to win. Christian is a very good goalkeeper with consistent shot-stopping abilities and has a solid vision of how the position should be managed.

“Goalkeeper is probably the toughest position in football as it tends to be an absolute playing process. We need an exceptional corps of goalkeepers who will do whatever it takes to help this club, and Christian fits that mold perfectly. We are thrilled to have him back representing the Battery.”