The Charleston Battery are delighted to confirm the signing of Irish midfielder Aaron Molloy to a multi-year contract on Monday, pending league and federation approval. Molloy, a two-time First Team All-League selection, is the Battery’s first new roster addition of the offseason.
Molloy, 26, has been among the top midfielders in the USL Championship the past two seasons and was an MVP finalist in 2022 in addition to consecutive All-League selections. After being Memphis’ captain for the majority of the 2023 season, Molloy now joins the defending Eastern Conference Title-Holders in the Lowcountry.
“I’m very excited to be joining the Charleston Battery, it’s a great club with a great history,” said Molloy. “I’m eager to play in front of the fans at Patriots Point and build on last year’s success.
“I’m also really looking forward to working with coaches Ben Pirmann and Devin Rensing again. They’re two coaches who had a great influence on my career. It’s always nice to reconnect with teammates and friends again, and I’m excited to compete with them this season.”
The midfielder was Memphis’ top creative playmaker from 2022-23, registering a club-best 18 assists and 154 chances created across the regular season and playoffs in those two seasons. Molloy also scored 10 goals in that time. His 80 chances created in 2023 were the most in the league.
Molloy was the only player to make the All-League First Team in both 2022 and 2023.
Head Coach Ben Pirmann looks forward to reuniting with Molloy.
“We are very excited to add Aaron to our group,” said Coach Pirmann. “I worked with Aaron in the past when he was runner-up for league MVP and he has shown to be one of the best players in all of the Championship.
“Aaron is a fierce competitor in addition to being a talented footballer. He will acclimate well with our group since he is motivated to win and help this club in every way imaginable.”
Molloy’s professional career began when he was drafted 16th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Portland Timbers and later signed with Timbers 2. He competed for Forward Madison FC in USL League One in 2021 and had a breakout campaign that saw him land as a finalist for League One MVP.
Collegiately, Molloy played for Penn State University before turning pro. Molloy garnered All-America and All-Big Ten honors with the Nittany Lions and was named the conference’s midfielder of the year his senior season. He played his freshman year at Keiser University in Florida.
Molloy is a native of Dublin, Ireland, and is fluent in English and Gaelic.
Molloy shared a message to the Lowcountry fans who are anticipating the club’s defense of the Eastern Conference title.
“To all the Charleston Battery fans, I’m really excited to create memories together this upcoming season and I can’t wait to be a part of your great community,” said Molloy.
2024 Roster
Goalkeepers: Trey Muse, Daniel Kuzemka
Defenders: Juan Sebastian Palma
Midfielders: Chris Allan, Fidel Barajas, Robbie Crawford, Aaron Molloy, Arturo Rodriguez, Emilio Ycaza
Forwards: Nick Markanich, Tristan Trager
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