The Charleston Battery announced Friday the acquisition of defender Mark Segbers from Miami FC via transfer, pending league and federation approval. Segbers joins the Battery prior to the league roster freeze at the close of business on Friday.
A versatile and veteran defender with over 150 league appearances, Segbers reinforces Charleston’s defense as the club nears the conclusion of the regular season and the start of the USL Championship Playoffs.
“The thing I’m looking forward to most is getting to know the guys and fitting in,” said Segbers. “I want to get to know their tendencies on the field and try to help any way I can with the playoff push.”
Segbers, 27, arrives after spending the past two seasons with Miami FC, where he made 69 appearances across all competitions and tallied two goals and six assists. He led Miami with 36 interceptions this season and additionally recorded 33 clearances, 26 tackles won, 14 chances created, and 132 duels won. Segbers was also a Team of the Week selection in Week 22.
A former Wisconsin Badger and St. Louis native, Segbers turned pro in 2018 after signing with New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. His career has also seen stops at Championship clubs Orange County SC, Swope Park Rangers, Memphis 901 FC and MLS side Los Angeles FC before joining Miami.
Head Coach Ben Pirmann worked with Segbers during their time together in Memphis and is looking forward to the reunion in Charleston.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the Battery family,” said Coach Pirmann. “Mark is a top player in this league and a fierce competitor, along with being a top teammate and a quality person. Mark has tremendous quickness and a high-level technical skill set.
“Working with him for two years in Memphis will also allow Mark to seamlessly transition into the group. I am very grateful to our technical staff and club president Lee Cohen for getting this over the line. We are continuing to develop this club on and off the pitch, and we are now able to make a final push to have the best season possible.”
Segbers gave his outlook on the new opportunity in Charleston.
“It is always hard leaving a team when you’ve spent two years with them, but having played for Coach Pirmann before definitely helps the transition side of things,” said Segbers. “I hope to add to the success he’s been having here in Charleston.”
Segbers will wear the number 96 for the Battery. Due to yellow card accumulation sustained while with Miami, Segbers will be unavailable for selection for Saturday’s home match against FC Tulsa.
