The Charleston Battery announced Thursday the signing of forward Shakeem “Shak” Adams to the 2022 roster, pending league and federation approval. Adams becomes the fourth forward added to the squad.
The 23-year-old joins the Black and Yellow following a productive two-year stint with USL League One side FC Tucson, where he appeared in 40 matches for the club. Adams joins Andrew Booth as new Battery players making the move up from League One to the USL Championship this season.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be able to play in a wonderful city and join a great team like Charleston,” said Adams. “I’m looking forward to meeting and learning from all my new coaches and teammates to become a better player. I am ready for this new challenge in my career in the USL Championship.”
Adams helped lead Tucson to a spot in the 2021 League One Playoffs where they defeated the Richmond Kickers 1-0 in the quarterfinals, before falling to eventual champions Union Omaha in the subsequent round.
During his two seasons in Arizona, Adams tallied 12 goals, four assists and 32 chances created. Adams’ versatility as a player has seen him deployed as a winger on both sides of the pitch, up top and in the midfield.
Adams was tabbed the Week 21 Player of the Week for his exceptional performance against Greenville Triumph SC, when he scored both goals in Tucson’s 2-1 victory over Greenville. He was again named to the Team of the Week in Week 30 after scoring the game-sealing goal that sent Tucson into the Playoffs, a 4-2 victory over Richmond.
“We’re expecting him to be a dominant force on that right-hand side,” said Battery Head Coach Conor Casey. “He has all the tools; speed, good at one-on-one’s, creates and finishes chances. He’s very direct and is eager to take people on with his athleticism, those are some things you can’t teach.”
In addition to creating opportunities for his side, Adams was very smart with the ball, completing 80.6% of his passes, a mark that would slot him in the top-six with the 2021 Battery team.
Prior to signing with Tucson, the Nashville native was selected by Nashville SC 54th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft.
Adams played collegiately at Florida Gulf Coast University from 2016 to 2019 and rejoins former FGCU teammate Preston Kilwien in Charleston. The two played together from 2016 to 2018. Adams enjoyed a successful tenure with the Eagles where he earned first-team All-ASUN Conference honors his sophomore, junior and senior years. Adams left his mark on the program’s record book too, becoming the all-time leader in assists (16) and tying for most game-winning goals (eight). He also tallied the second-most goals in school history with 23.
During college, Adams played in the USL League Two with the Nashville SC U23 team 2017 and the Seattle Sounders FC U-23 squad.
“There’s no better feeling knowing I get to link back up with my former teammate, Preston, and being able to get the best out of each other, week in and out,” said Adams. “Battery fans, I can’t wait to bring you even more excitement and joy watching us take on any challenge we face together.”
Adams becomes the sixth new player added to the roster ahead of the 2022 season and brings the total number of players on the squad to 16.
2022 Roster
Goalkeepers: Joe Kuzminsky
Defenders: Leland Archer, Patrick Hogan, Preston Kilwien, AJ Paterson, Matt Sheldon
Midfielders: Andrew Booth, Burke Fahling, DZ Harmon, Dominic Oduro, Geobel Perez, Romario Piggott
Forwards: Shak Adams, Aidan Apodaca, Nicque Daley, Claudio Repetto
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