The Charleston Battery are pleased to announce the signing of midfielder Diego Rodríguez to a USL Academy contract on Wednesday, pending league and federation approval. Diego is the younger brother of current Battery midfielder Arturo Rodríguez.
Rodríguez, 18, is a product of the FC Dallas Academy and first joined the Texas club’s system in 2018 with the U-13 team. He rose through the ranks of the academy teams and competed with various age groups until 2024. Rodríguez won the 2024 Dallas Cup with the FC Dallas U-18 ECNL White team.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying every moment with the team and developing as a player with the help of the talented players around me,” said Rodríguez. “Since arriving in Charleston, I’ve been really happy playing here and like how close of a connection there is between the team and the community. I’m also very excited to be able to play with Arturo, since he’s someone who I have looked up to, so this is a dream come true and I’m looking forward to fighting for a trophy here in Charleston with him.”
Rodríguez played for Frisco High School, just outside of Dallas, where he was named the District 9-5A Midfielder of the Year in 2023 and Most Valuable Player in 2024. He led the Frisco Raccoons to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in over a decade.
“Diego has spent time with us for part of two seasons now, and his abilities are really growing,” said Head Coach Ben Pirmann. “He has a great technical skill set for a young player; ball control, tidy dribbling and savvy deception. As he continues to grow physically, he will be able to impact this Club more and more.
“Diego also has an incredible attitude. He works his socks off, can play multiple positions and is tough mentally. He wants to improve, wants to win and is a massive part of this team.”
A native of San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Diego is the youngest of three footballing brothers alongside Arturo and David Rodríguez, the latter of which currently plays for Canadian Premier League side Atlético Ottawa.
Rodríguez will wear the number 12.
USL Academy contracts allow young players to gain valuable experience at the professional level while still preserving their college soccer eligibility.
The addition of Rodríguez brings the Battery’s total number of players to 24, and Rodríguez will be available for selection in the March 8 home opener against Louisville City FC.
Diego is in for 2025, join him! Elevate your Battery supporter experience with a Season Membership. Members enjoy a host of additional benefits, including exclusive events, team store discounts, priority access and more! Explore the options today: https://www.charlestonbattery.com/membership/
2025 Roster
Goalkeepers: Christian Garner, Daniel Kuzemka, Luis Zamudio
Defenders: Joey Akpunonu, Leland Archer, Langston Blackstock, Nathan Dossantos, Josh Drack, Graham Smith, Mark Segbers
Midfielders: Chris Allan, Johnny Klein, Houssou Landry, Aaron Molloy, Viggo Ortiz (A), Arturo Rodriguez, Diego Rodriguez (A), Juan David Torres, Emilio Ycaza
Forwards: Jackson Conway, Cal Jennings, Douglas Martínez, MD Myers, Zeke Soto
