CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery announced on Thursday the club had signed Jamaican forward Maalique Foster ahead of the 2026 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

The former Jamaican international adds versatility and experience to the Battery’s attack, having played more than 270 matches across North America, Central America, the Caribbean and the Middle East since making his professional debut in 2015 at 18 years old.

“From the outside looking in, I can tell this club is built on professionalism,” said Foster. “I also wanted to be a part of a team whose players and supporters have the same passion. My initial impression was that this team plays attractive ball, the club’s history in the league is impeccable and I have always been awe of how brilliant the coaches are.”

Foster most recently played for fellow USL Championship club Indy Eleven over the past two seasons, tallying four goals and four assists in 41 matches across all competitions. The 29-year-old joined Indy as a midseason addition in 2024 from Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

With Colorado Springs, Foster accumulated eight goals and eight assists in 54 games across all competitions from 2023 to 2024, including a team-high four assists and 49 chances created in 2023.

Foster’s most prolific season in the Championship came in 2022 with Sacramento Republic FC, when he co-led the team with eight goals in 26 appearances during the regular season and playoffs. Foster also played an instrumental role in Sacramento’s run to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final in 2022, converting during the Semifinal penalty shootout to advance against Sporting Kansas City.

Overall, he has recorded 23 goals and 17 assists in 137 appearances in the USL Championship across the regular season and playoffs.

“Maalique allows us to be able to attack in a different manner,” said Battery Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “Whether it’s in the transition moments or the build-up phase to create spaces behind, we want him to impact the final third. Maalique is exceptionally quick, plays on the front foot, is tidy in possession and has a good awareness to find dangerous spaces.

“He has solid experience in USL and with the national team and wants to win trophies while helping his teammates. We are extremely excited to integrate Maalique into our attacking group and give our supporters something to get excited about.”

On the international stage, Foster has earned nine caps for Jamaica, recording three goals and one assist. Foster scored on his debut for the Reggae Boyz on January 30, 2018, tallying the game-tying goal in a 2-2 draw against South Korea.

Foster’s professional career began with Portmore United in the Jamaican Premier League. He scored 18 goals from 2015 to 2018 and capped his tenure with the club by winning the 2017-18 league title. After Portmore, Foster took his talents to Costa Rican Primera División side LD Alajuelense from 2018 to 2020. His tenure included loan spells at USL Championship club Rio Grande Valley FC, Costan Rican team AD Santos and Israeli club Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona FC.

Foster, who reunites with former Indy and Sacramento teammate Douglas Martínez in the Lowcountry, will be aiming to make his mark on the season ahead.

“I look forward to being part of a community that shares the same passion for soccer and breaking records,” said Foster.