By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery announced Tuesday the signing of goalkeeper Danny Fischer to a USL Academy contract, pending league and federation approval.
Fischer, 18, is committed to play Division I soccer at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in the fall. The Academy contract will allow him to gain experience at the professional level in Charleston while still preserving his college soccer eligibility.
“I'm really excited for the opportunity to play for the Battery,” said Fischer. “Being a professional soccer player has been my dream and it's almost hard to believe that I'm here right now, but I'm ready for a great season.”
Born and raised in St. Louis, Fischer played youth soccer with the highly-regarded development club St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC, whose alums include current USMNT players Tim Ream and Josh Sargent.
The goalkeeper was called up for the club's 2002 US Youth Soccer team and helped them advance to the semi-final of the 2020 USYS National Championship. Fischer played his past two years with the U-19 SLSG squad competing in MLS Next. He led the team in clean sheets in the 2022 fall season with four.
Fischer's arrival marks the first Academy signing of 2023 for Head Coach Ben Pirmann.
“Danny is a very steady goalkeeper who is wise beyond his years,” said Coach Pirmann. “He reads the game well for a young player and has a great amount of courage. Danny has done a very good job of adapting to the speed of professional play.
“Coach Brian Jones has also worked with Danny in the past, knows his skillset and development range, and knows how to push him to improve daily. It is great for Danny to be our first Academy signing for the 2023 season, he's a bright young goalkeeper, and a selfless and tireless worker who fits right into our team.”
Fischer committed to play for SIUE this past November, the same school current Coach Jones previously helped lead for seven years. He'll work alongside goalkeepers Trey Muse and Daniel Kuzemka at Patriots Point.
“I'm looking forward to being put in challenging situations that will help me grow as a player,” said Fischer. “While it may be difficult at times, I know that I am getting better every day. Training with Coach Jones, Trey and Daniel has been really fun, they're a great group of guys that like to compete.”
2023 Roster
Goalkeepers: Danny Fischer, Daniel Kuzemka, Trey Muse
Defenders: Leland Archer, AJ Cochran, 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 Williams