The Charleston Battery are delighted to announce the signing of Colombian midfielder Juan David Torres to the 2024 roster on Thursday, pending league and federation approval.
Torres arrives in Charleston after competing for South American giants Millonarios F.C. of the Categoría Primera A, Colombia’s top-flight league. The 5-7 midfielder helped Millonarios win the league title (Apertura phase) in 2023.
“I am very happy to be in Charleston and am excited to join the Battery, I want to help the squad achieve the goals we have for the new season,” said Torres. “My first impressions have been that the team is very united and competitive with a lot of quality. I appreciate how everyone has welcomed me to the team here.”
Known for his technical skills and field vision, Torres was signed to the Millonarios first team in early 2023 and featured in eight matches during the league campaign. He was elevated to the first team from the club’s U20 squad.
Head Coach Ben Pirmann has been impressed by Torres since the Colombian first came to Charleston as a trialist.
“Juan David is a crafty and clever attacking player who has done a great job entering a new environment and finding his rhythm in the group,” said Coach Pirmann. “He has a unique skill set and great technical abilities that can unbalance his opponent. Juan David can impact the final third and is willing to work hard in possession and against the ball. He’s a selfless teammate who will thrive with our group.”
A native of Barranquilla, Colombia, Torres joins compatriot Juan Sebastián Palma in Charleston.
Torres was also a member of Corinthians’ U-20 team from 2019 to 2021, scoring three goals across 26 matches for the Brazilian side. Torres was selected for the Colombian U-20 national team in 2019 but did not feature in a match.
The move to the Battery marks Torres’ first time playing outside South America, a challenge he’s ready to embrace.
“I am excited and eager to face this new adventure in my professional career, and I hope to do it to the best of my abilities,” said Torres. “Sebastián has spoken highly of the squad, the staff and the city to me since I arrived. I’m also grateful to Emilio Ycaza, Arturo Rodriguez and Diego Gutierrez who have helped me adapt faster and easier.”
Torres and the Battery are set to face USL League One side Charlotte Independence on Sat., Feb. 17, in a preseason exhibition at Patriots Point. Tickets for the match are on sale now for $10 via SeatGeek.com, the club’s exclusive digital ticketing provider.
2024 Roster
Goalkeepers: Adam Grinwis, Daniel Kuzemka
Defenders: Leland Archer, Nathan Dossantos, Josh Drack, Juan Sebastian Palma, Mark Segbers, Graham Smith
Midfielders: Chris Allan, Robbie Crawford, Aaron Molloy, Arturo Rodriguez, Juan David Torres, Emilio Ycaza
Forwards: Jackson Conway, Diego Gutiérrez, Jake LaCava, Nick Markanich, MD Myers
