By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery announced Tuesday the re-signing of forward Mauro Cichero to the roster, pending league and federation approval. Cichero will enter his third season with the Black and Yellow in 2022.
The Venezuelan has made 14 appearances for Charleston in the previous two seasons and was poised for an enhanced role in 2021 before his campaign was cut short due to injury. Cichero is happy to be back with the Battery and is looking to rebound in 2022.
“It’s an immense pleasure to be back with the club for a third season, Charleston has become a second home for me and I’m really grateful for the opportunity to continue another year here,” said Cichero. “It was very tough last year not being able to help the team on the field, injuries are part of the game but you always have to keep going and learn to move forward.
“Thankfully I was able to work with the great medical staff at the club and at MUSC, they helped me every step of the way and I’m very grateful for that.”
Mauro enjoyed a productive first year with the Battery in 2020, while also displaying a flare for the dramatic when scoring. His first goal was an equalizer at the death to salvage a point on the road against Atlanta United 2 and his second came at home against Atlanta in an exciting 3-2 comeback victory.
More recently, Cichero appeared in all three matches during the 2022 Breeze Airways
Carolina Challenge Cup, showcasing the danger he can pose to the opposition on set pieces and in open play. Mauro scored in the friendly against Coastal Carolina University on February 25, perfectly hitting a first-time volley from an Augustine Williams cross.Carolina Challenge Cup, showcasing the danger he can pose to the opposition on set pieces and in open play. Mauro scored in the friendly against Coastal Carolina University on February 25, perfectly hitting a first-time volley from an Augustine Williams cross.
Battery Head Coach Conor Casey looks forward to adding Cichero's skillset as a playmaker and as a leader to this year's squad.
“Mauro has a lot of quality in front of goal, he's clean with the ball and has quite a bit of technique, which makes for a really good skill combination,” said Coach Casey. “He’s been around the club for a while, understands a lot of these players, and he wants to take over a bigger leadership role this year.
“Mauro has a sound way of communicating and taking people under his wing, he’s been a great influence in terms of helping some of the younger guys along in understanding what we want from our style of play.”
Cichero is excited for the season ahead after a strong month of preseason play.
“It’s been a really good preseason for us, we’re all still getting to know each other on and off the field but everyone has had a great attitude,” said Cichero “We're working towards and getting ready for the Home Opener on March 12 against Tulsa.”
Cichero becomes the 25th player added to the roster and will now wear the number 24 for the Battery.
2022 Roster
Goalkeepers: Joe Kuzminsky, Hugo Fauroux
Defenders: Leland Archer, Benjamin Ettienne, Patrick Hogan, Preston Kilwien, AJ Paterson, Matt Sheldon, Brett St. Martin, Tristan Weber
Midfielders: Andrew Booth, Burke Fahling, DZ Harmon, Dominic Oduro, Geobel Perez, Romario Piggott, Matteo Ritaccio, Joe Schmidt
Forwards: Shak Adams, Aidan Apodaca, Mauro Cichero, Nicque Daley, EJ Johnson, Augustine Williams
