By: Charleston Battery Media
The Charleston Battery announced Wednesday the acquisition of American midfielder Dante Polvara (Pole-VAR-uh) on loan from Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen FC, pending league and federation approval. The 2021 MAC Hermann Trophy winner becomes the 23rd member of the Black and Yellow.
Polvara, 22, debuted for Aberdeen in March 2022 after signing with the club earlier that year. The 6-4 midfielder has made 11 appearances across all competitions for The Dons and is ready to get started with the Black and Yellow.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to play here in Charleston,” said Polvara. “It's nice to be back Stateside and in more familiar territory, but I'm just really looking forward to the season starting soon and playing games.
“Since I knew I had the opportunity to be here, I've been itching for that first game this Saturday. I couldn't be more excited; the stadium looks amazing, the boys look sharp and I'll do whatever I can to contribute to a first amazing night on Saturday.”
Prior to heading to Scotland, Polvara had a standout career at Georgetown University. He was named the country's top player in 2021 after winning the MAC Hermann Trophy and also earned the Men’s National Player of the Year Award by TopDrawerSoccer.com. Polvara won the 2019 national title his freshman year and rejoins former Hoya teammate Derek Dodson in Charleston.
Head Coach Ben Pirmann is looking forward to bringing aboard Polvara.
“Dante has a very good pedigree as a footballer; he is cerebral, technical and clearly has tremendous size,” said Coach Pirmann. “For a tall player, he is very elusive and moves well. Dante will fit in well with the group, he is aggressive in nature and willing to do what it takes to earn three points each week.
“He is tough but is very calm in possession and can facilitate the build-up while arriving around the opponent's area to create goals.”
A native of Pleasantville, N.Y., Polvara developed in New York City FC's academy, where he also briefly played alongside AJ Paterson in 2018, before heading to college. He is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy.
Polvara is elated to reconnect with some familiar faces in the Lowcountry.
“Derek Dodson and I had our fair share of fun and success back at Georgetown so I'm very happy to be able to share the pitch with him again,” said Polvara. “We have really good chemistry on the pitch. As for AJ Paterson, I met him right before he joined Charleston, during our preseason with NYCFC, so to have that connection with a very experienced player here just helps me feel more comfortable and settle in quicker.”
Polvara will wear the number 6 and is available for selection for Saturday night's opener against Phoenix Rising FC at Patriots Point.
