Wilson making return to Charleston

CHARLESTON, SC — The Charleston Battery has agreed to terms with veteran defender John Wilson for the upcoming season. A Clemson product, Wilson started his pro career with the Battery in 1999 and was a member of the 2003 Championship winning side. He went on to play for the Rochester Raging Rhinos and then Major League Soccer’s DC United. The Battery has also signed defender Jack Stewart; Stewart comes to the Battery after three years in Major League Soccer with Real Salt Lake and the Chicago Fire; both players sign pending USSF approval.

Charleston Battery head coach, Mike Anhaeuser,

“John Wilson’s return to the Battery is an exciting signing for us and we are hopeful that Johnny can regain his form and once again become an all-star defender in our league. He brings a wealth of experience with him and I anticipate him helping some of the younger players develop.”

“Jack Stewart is a product of MLS and a highly touted defender who can play in the middle or on either flank; we are looking for him to make an immediate impact. These two players should significantly strengthen our back line for the upcoming season.”

John Wilson
John Wilson 5-10, 170lbs, 30 yrs., began his pro career with the Charleston Battery in 1999. In 2000 Wilson left for a one-year stint with Major League Soccer’s Kansas City Wizards but returned to Charleston for the 2001, 2002 and 2003 seasons; his career Battery totals include 116 games played (3rd all-time) with one goal and six assists.

A native of Seneca, SC, Wilson spent the 2004 season with Battery rival the Rochester Raging Rhinos then in May 2005 joined MLS’s DC United. Wilson played 29 games for DC but after struggling with injury in 2007 was waived in June.

Prior to turning pro Wilson was a four year starter at Clemson University, scoring 18 goals with 27 assists in 80 games played.

Jack Stewart
Jack Stewart was originally drafted by the Chicago Fire in the first round of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. Stewart was traded to Real Salt Lake in July 2006 where he played 25 games in two years; in all Stewart played 41 games in Major League Soccer scoring two goals and adding an assist.

A native of Torrance, CA Stewart, 6-2, 180 lbs., 24 yrs., was a four-year starter at Notre Dame. Stewart finished his senior season at Notre Dame as one of 15 semifinalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy Award; he was also named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year.