The Charleston Battery are delighted to confirm the signing of defender Josh Drack (right) to a multi-year contract on Wednesday, pending league and federation approval. Drack becomes the 14th member of the 2024 roster.
The 24-year-old full-back from Arizona adds potent versatility on offense and defense to Charleston’s left side as the club aims to defend their Eastern Conference title.
“I am beyond excited to join the Battery,” said Drack. “From the city to the fans to the team, I think there's something very special being built here. The team had a very good year in 2023 and I am itching to bring value and make an impact to help the club build on that success this last year.
“My interest in Charleston first came about two years ago, when I first played against them my rookie year [in 2021]. I thought the environment was great and the city was beautiful.
“Ben Pirmann and the club have shown great belief in me and that was what ultimately drew me to make my decision to take this next step in my career in Charleston.”
Drack most recently played for Huntsville City FC of MLS NEXT Pro, featuring in 25 matches while tallying one goal and three assists. His lone goal came as a match-winner against Toronto FC II.
Drack’s professional career began when he was selected 16th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by LA Galaxy, subsequently signing with Galaxy II. His MLS debut came against FC Dallas on July 7 later that year.
An impact player with Galaxy II from 2021-22, Drack tallied five goals and 11 assists across 52 matches. His nine assists in 2021 were a team-high and he led Los Dos in interceptions (48) and duels won (128) in 2022. Drack often displayed his lethal abilities on free-kicks with his left foot.
Head Coach Ben Pirmann is looking forward to integrating Drack into the squad.
“Josh is a high-level, modern-day left full-back,” said Coach Pirmann. “He is intense and aggressive, and gets up and down the left channel. He also has high-level abilities on offense to break down opponents and help finish off attacks in the final third.
"Josh has had tremendous experiences in MLS clubs throughout his young professional career and that will help increase the standard of play for our club. He is eager to fight and does not back down."
Collegiately, Drack played for the University of Denver in 2019 and earned all-conference honors with the Pioneers as a forward. He also played for Grand Canyon University for two seasons prior to Denver and garnered various all-conference awards.
Drack holds both Chilean and Japanese citizenship via his parents and speaks Japanese.
Prior to his arrival in the Lowcountry, Drack shared his enthusiasm about joining the club with Battery supporters.
“I would just like to express to the fans how excited I am to meet them and play for this club,” said Drack. “I'm eager to show my ability and that I will fight for this team. I believe this team has everything needed to repeat another great season and hopefully finish as champions.”
2024 Roster
Goalkeepers: Trey Muse, Daniel Kuzemka
Defenders: Leland Archer, Josh Drack, Juan Sebastian Palma, Graham Smith
Midfielders: Chris Allan, Fidel Barajas, Robbie Crawford, Aaron Molloy, Arturo Rodriguez, Emilio Ycaza
Forwards: Nick Markanich, Tristan Trager
