Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Veteran defender John Wilson has agreed to terms and will return to play for the Charleston Battery in the 2013 USL PRO season. After reversing a retirement decision prior to the 2011 season Wilson has enjoyed a further two excellent years with the Battery and last year helped Charleston claim its fourth USL Championship.
“Being able to sign John Wilson to another season is a tremendous plus to the club as John brings a wealth of experience to the community and the team on the field which cannot easily be replaced,” said head coach Mike Anhaeuser.
A native of Seneca, S.C., Wilson has played on three of the Battery’s four championship winning teams (2003, 2010 & 2012) his career Charleston Battery totals includes 228 games played (second all-time), 19,973 minutes, 1 goal and 10 assists.
Wilson began his pro career with the Battery in 1999. After an outstanding rookie season Wilson joined Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards in 2000. Wilson returned to the Battery in 2001 and spent three seasons with the club including 2003 when he was a member of the Championship winning team.
In 2004 Wilson moved to the Rochester Rhinos then a year later was signed by Major League Soccer’s D.C. United. After three years with D.C. United, Wilson rejoined the Battery before the start of the 2008 season and was a member of the Battery team that lost in the 2008 Open Cup Final against D.C. United.
Wilson helped the Battery win the 2010 USL Second Division Championship and announced his retirement from pro soccer after the game but reversed his decision prior to the start of the 2011 season.
In 2012 Wilson switched to his favored left back position and played 23 games, recording one assist as the Battery claimed their fourth USL Championship.
The 35-year-old Wilson, 5-foot-9, 170 pounds., had a superb college career at Clemson University and was named All-ACC in 1997 and 1998. He played in 57 matches for the Tigers, scored 18 goals and added 35 assists in his career. Wilson helped Clemson to an ACC Championship, #1 national ranking and Final Eight NCAA finish in 1998.