Cooper returns, Manarsay arrives to 2018 Battery

The shape of the Charleston Battery’s 2018 roster is coming more and more into focus as we head into the final stretch in the lead up to the new season.

With under a week to go now until the 2018 edition of the Carolina Challenge Cup, the Black and Yellow have made two signings in as many days, one a veteran fan favorite, and one another new face.

Odisnel Cooper will return in 2018 for his sixth season. He split time with Alex Tambakis last year, but on the whole remained the first choice and kept ten clean sheets in 2017. Despite keeping fans on their toes in announcing his destination for this year, fans will be ecstatic over his return. He joins three other returning members of last year’s backline in Taylor Mueller, Skylar Thomas and Quinton Griffith.

Victor Manarsay is the newest face added to the ranks of the Black and Yellow. Signed at age 17 in 2014 by the Seattle Sounders, he made 37 appearances in two stints with the Seattle Sounders 2 team between 2015 and 2017, while also going on loan to FC Cincinnati at the beginning of last year. Voted the number one “20 under 20” player in 2016 by USL and just shy of his 21st birthday, he most recently played for Swedish third division side Urea FC. He’s represented the US Men’s National Team at U18 and U20 levels, but has decided to represent his native Sierra Leone internationally.

Cooper joins returners Taylor Mueller, Kotaro Higashi, Naveal Hackshaw, Attaulla Guerra, Jarad van Schaik, Joe Kuzminsky, Quinton Griffith, Skylar Thomas, Nico Rittmeyer, Ryan Arambula, and Tah Brian Anunga.

Manarsay is amongst new faces Jay Bolt and Ian Svantesson, with more undoubtedly set to come before the start of the new year.

The Battery play a friendly against Coastal Carolina University Thursday night before beginning the Carolina Challenge Cup against Minnesota United.

TOP IMAGE: ODISNEL COOPER IN ACTION FOR THE BATTERY. PHOTO CREDIT ROSS ALMERS PHOTOGRAPHY