The Charleston Battery are pleased to confirm the re-signing of midfielder Emilio Ycaza to a new multi-year contract on Wednesday, pending league and federation approval. A fan favorite since arriving, Ycaza is now set to extend his stay in Charleston.
Ycaza, 27, has featured in 63 matches across all competitions for the Battery since joining in 2023. The midfielder has recorded eight goals and six assists for Charleston and played an important role in the back-to-back runs to the Eastern Conference Final.
“I’m excited about continuing to build on the team and culture that we have, and that ultimately means winning and going deep in the playoffs,” said Ycaza. “In 2024, we fell short of our goal to bring trophies back to Patriots Point. For 2025, that’s the only goal.”
“Emilio has been at the foundation of our club’s successes over the past two years, both on and off the field,” said Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “He is tireless and selfless with his work and energy, and provides so much quality in each phase of the game.
“Emilio is infectious to all those around him: his desire and passion on the field spread through all of his teammates, while his generosity and positivity might just be his greatest gift to our community.”
Across the 2024 regular season and playoffs, Ycaza scored four goals and three assists, matching the same tally as his 2023 numbers, along with setting up his teammates with three penalties won and 28 chances created. Among Ycaza’s most memorable moments in 2024 were his match-winners against Birmingham Legion FC and Sacramento Republic FC.
Ycaza was among the league’s premier impact players on defense among midfielders, registering 31 interceptions, 40 tackles won, 27 clearances and 188 duels won.
The University of South Florida alumnus was a three-time Team of the Week selection for his stellar performances in Weeks 6, 8 and 21.
Ycaza initially joined the Battery in 2023 as Coach Pirmann’s first new player signing and was instrumental in Charleston’s run to the USL Championship Final that year.
Looking ahead to next season, Ycaza is excited to get back to Patriots Point and compete for the Lowcountry community.
“It’s been amazing to see how the city of Charleston has gathered to get behind the team,” said Ycaza. “The fans have been the reason for all the success that we’ve had.”
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Daniel Kuzemka
Defenders: Leland Archer, Nathan Dossantos, Josh Drack, Graham Smith, Mark Segbers
Midfielders: Chris Allan, Aaron Molloy, Arturo Rodriguez, Juan David Torres, Emilio Ycaza
Forwards: MD Myers, Zeke Soto
