Charleston Battery signs Klasila and van Schaik

Charleston, SC March 21, 2013 – The Charleston Battery has added goalkeeper Kevin Klasila and midfielder Jarad van Schaik to its roster for the upcoming USL PRO season. Klasila returns to the Battery for a second season while van Schaik joins for a first season after spending two years with the Puerto Rico Islanders.

Coach Anhaeuser commented “Signing Kevin and Jared is an important piece of our squad as Kevin is back in goal for his second season and Jared brings quality and depth in our midfield from the Puerto Rico Islanders. We are looking forward to both of them contributing this season.”

Goalkeeper Kevin Klasila returns to the Battery for a second season after missing much of his first year through injury. Klasila started the Battery’s first game of the 2012 campaign, a 2-1 win versus Richmond Kickers, but following the injury he did not return to contention until late in the season.

Klasila was a four-year starter at Santa Clara University majoring in Marketing. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Klasila, 6-1, 185 lbs., 23 yrs., attended Loyola High School.

Midfielder Jarad van Schaik arrives at the Charleston Battery after spending the past two years with the NASL’s Puerto Rico Islanders. van Schaik played 40 games for Puerto Rico scoring three goals.

A native of Portland, OR, van Schaik 6-1, 185 lbs., 24 yrs., played collegiately at the University of Portland scoring 13 goals and adding 14 assists in over 70 games played.

Charleston Battery vs Wilmington Hammerheads
The Charleston Battery pre-season continues this Saturday with a 6 PM game versus the Wilmington Hammerheads at Blackbaud Stadium, Daniel Island. The game is a rematch of the 2012 USL PRO championship game that the Battery won 1-0 earning Charleston its fourth USL championship. Saturday’s game is presented by Piggly Wiggly; tickets start at just $7 with discounts available for groups of ten or more (843) 971-GOAL (4625) / www.charlestonbattery.com.

Junior Jubilee with Jump Castles
Saturday’s game will also feature a Charleston Battery Junior Jamboree on the stadium back-field with Charleston Jump Castles, Blackbeard’s Cove Putt-Putt, mini-soccer games, face-painting and more. In addition to the fun on the back field there will also be a children’s Easter Egg hunt on the stadium field at half time plus a special Mascot Soccer game with some of your favorite area mascots!

Charleston Battery Pre-Season Schedule
Feb 16 (h) Vancouver Whitecaps L 2-3 Paterson, Kelly
Feb 20 (h) Chicago Fire L 1-2 Cuevas
Feb 23 (h) Houston Dynamo W 2-1 Kelly, Savage
Feb 28 (a) College of Charleston W 3-0 Griffith, Kelly (2)
Mar 2 (a) Clemson University W 5-0 Savage, Prince, Bardsley, van Schaik, Cuevas
Mar 5 (h) Georgia Southern W 4-1 Cordoves, Cuevas, Mueller, Bardsley
Mar 7 (h) Coastal Carolina W 2-1 Cuevas (2)
Mar 14 (a) Carolina Railhawks W 2-1 Griffith, Azira
Mar 19 (a) College of Charleston T 0-0
Mar 23 (h) Wilmington Hammerheads, 6pm
Mar 30 (h) Carolina RailHawks, TBD.