By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery announced Tuesday the acquisition of forward Tristan Trager from MLS NEXT Pro side Atlanta United 2 via transfer for an undisclosed fee, pending league and federation approval. Trager has signed a new multi-year contract with the Battery ahead of the 2023 season.
Trager was selected by Atlanta in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, 47th overall, out of the Air Force Academy and later signed with Atlanta United 2 after completing his degree.
“I'm looking forward to taking on a new challenge, setting new goals, in a new city, with new teammates,” said Trager. “The opportunity to play in a beautiful city with a tremendous fanbase, under Coach Ben Pirmann with his attacking style of play, made this a very appealing destination for me.”
Trager was among Atlanta's top performers last year, scoring eight goals and tallying two assists across 22 appearances. He was named the league's Player of the Week for Week 17 and selected to the Team of the Week in Week 31.
Head Coach Ben Pirmann is keen on what Trager can add to the squad.
“Tristan was one of the top breakout performers in the USL last season,” said Coach Pirmann. “He showed his ability to impact the final third and is one of the most dangerous attackers in our league. Tristan is a top person in addition to being a high-level footballer. He understands teamwork and selflessness and has lived that daily. His work on and off the pitch will be instrumental in our club’s successes.”
A native of San Clemente, California, Trager had a standout collegiate career at Air Force, racking up 27 goals and 13 assists across 57 matches with the Falcons. He was the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year after his senior season and was twice named first-team all-conference.
Trager graduated with a degree in geospatial science from the Air Force and has received a waiver from the Secretary of Defense to fulfill his service commitment after he completes his professional sports career.
Tristan, who scored a pair of goals at Patriots Point last June, is looking forward to getting started in Charleston, a city with a renowned Air Force and Navy presence.
“It’s very special to be playing in a city with a heavy military presence and to be representing the Air Force while playing for the Battery. In fact, my roommate while at the Academy is currently stationed at Joint Base Charleston,” said Trager.
2023 Roster
Goalkeepers: Daniel Kuzemka, Trey Muse
Defenders: Leland Archer, Derek Dodson, Benji Ettienne, Juan Sebastián Palma, AJ Paterson, Deklan Wynne
Midfielders: Chris Allan, Fidel Barajas, Andrew Booth, Handwalla Bwana, Robbie Crawford, Avionne Flanagan, Joe Schmidt, Emilio Ycaza
Forwards: Aidan Apodaca, Tristan Trager, Augustine William
