A new era has begun for the Charleston Battery.
On Monday morning, the team announced appointment of Conor Casey as the club's sixth head coach.
Casey will take the helm ahead of the 2022 season, bringing an extensive amount of experience from his days as a player and, more recently, as a coach.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Conor to the Charleston Battery,” said Battery owner and executive chairman Rob Salvatore. “After an extensive process to identify the ideal candidate who will transform our club into a modern, progressive, perennial contender, Conor distinguished himself from a deep pool of candidates. Conor’s experience as both a player and coach at the highest levels of soccer, domestically and abroad, coupled with his passion to build a winning culture and identity, is a great fit to lead the new era of Charleston Battery soccer.”
Casey had a playing career that took him to Borussia Dortmund and Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga, while also suiting up for the Colorado Rapids, the Philadelphia Union and the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer. He represented the United States in the 2000 Summer Olympics, picking up 19 caps for the United States Men's National Team and winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2005.
As a player, Casey learned from some of the best minds in soccer, including Jürgen Klopp, Ralf Rangnik, Bruce Arena and Bob Bradley.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have been exposed to some of the best coaches and leaders in the European and American game over the last 20 years,” said Casey. “I’m excited to take those valuable experiences with me to lead this team forward.”
Casey began his next chapter in 2017, serving as an assistant coach with the Colorado Rapids.
He was then named the club's interim head coach after a 0-7-2 start, then leading the team to a 7-7-4 record.
“My time with the Colorado Rapids provided me with invaluable experience in creating a positive and supportive club environment," said Casey. "This is a historic club with an incredibly passionate community and fanbase, and I’m thrilled to create a team for the city to be proud of.”
Casey takes over for longtime coach and former player Michael Anhaeuser, who parted ways with the Battery in November.