By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery announced Wednesday that midfielder Dante Polvara has returned to Scottish Premiership side Aberdeen FC following the completion of his successful loan tenure in the Lowcountry.
Polvara, 23, heads back overseas for the beginning of Aberdeen's preseason for their 2023-24 domestic and European campaigns.
“From day one, everyone was so welcoming at the team and I instantly fell in love with Charleston and the club,” said Polvara. “I knew it was a great decision, a place I already miss so much and will always visit. I think the past few months were important for me, to be playing games and learning from the coaching staff, the USL Championship has plenty of quality and it was a good challenge every week.”
The 6-4 defensive midfielder developed into a mainstay in Ben Pirmann's squad and had a key role in the Battery's rise to the top spots of the Eastern Conference. He logged 1,456 minutes played and is the only player to feature in all 21 of the Battery's matches to date (USL Championship and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup).
An impact player all over the pitch, Polvara tallied one goal and two assists, along with 21 tackles won, 24 interceptions and 78 duels won, in Championship action. Polvara earned league Team of the Week honors in Week 6 after scoring his first career professional goal, a match-winner against FC Tulsa on April 15th.
“We are very thankful for the work that Dante put in over the last four months,” said Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “Dante is a great player and an even better person, and both our club and community are better for Dante's passion. We wish him the best as he returns to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.”
Polvara's final match was a fitting send-off, a 3-0 Battery victory over Loudoun United FC in front of a record-setting crowd at Patriots Point.
He bid farewell to fans after the match and had a parting message to send for their support.
“I'd just like to thank all the fans for their constant support through the ups and downs of this first half of the season, it's been an absolute pleasure playing at Patriots Point,” said Polvara. “Among my favorite moments with the club have been every time we scored at home, it was always a special feeling with the home fans. This has been some of the best months of my life and I will be supporting from afar every week, hopefully in person soon.”
The club thanks Dante for his contributions to the club during his four-month stay with the Battery and wishes him well for the future.
