By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery announced Friday the acquisition of midfielder Matteo Ritaccio, on loan from English Premier League side Liverpool FC for the 2022 season, pending league and federation approval. The 20-year-old American has ascended through Liverpool's academy ranks since first signing professionally with the Reds in November 2019.
“I'm very excited to be joining the Battery this season and am looking forward to getting to work,” said Ritaccio. “The move to play in the USL Championship will be a great challenge for me that will help me grow. Having the opportunity to share the field with experienced professionals in this league is something I will embrace.”
Ritaccio has made 35 appearances across all competitions for various Liverpool academy teams, most recently with the U23 squad that competes in the Premier League 2. The youngster comes highly regarded as a box-to-box midfielder and was a member of the FA Youth Cup-winning side in 2019. Ritaccio inked a new contract with the Reds in May 2021.
“Matteo has a good background after being at Liverpool the last few years, he’s learned a lot about the style of play that I’m very fond of,” said Battery Head Coach Conor Casey. “He's smart with the ball, he's got a good engine. So, we’re delighted to have him in, continue his progress, and we’re hoping he’s a big piece for us.”
The midfielder first arrived in Merseyside in August 2018 after initially being spotted as a 13-year old at a US national team training camp. Ritaccio played for youth development club BW Gottschee in his native New York prior to the move across the pond.
On the international stage, Ritaccio represented the United States with the U20 squad against the United Arab Emirates U23 team in September 2019. He additionally holds dual citizenship with both the U.S. and Italy.
Matteo comes from a footballing family and is the youngest of three brothers. The eldest brother, Giraldo, played collegiately at SUNY Oneonta and the middle brother, Carlo, played at Akron before being selected by Chicago Fire FC in the third round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
The midfielder is happy to make the Stateside move and be closer to his family during the season.
“It feels great to be back in the U.S., my family is also excited about the opportunity I have in Charleston and being able to see me play here,” said Ritaccio.
Ritaccio becomes the 10th new player added to the roster ahead of the 2022 season and will be available for the Breeze Airways
Carolina Challenge Cup starting Saturday.Carolina Challenge Cup starting Saturday.
