CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former Wofford men's soccer defender Kyle Nelson made his pro debut with the Charleston Battery on Saturday night in a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC at MUSC Health Stadium. Nelson recorded one block, an interception, and one shot on target in 72 minutes of play in his first appearance for the USL club.
 
"My debut was an indescribable experience. In all honestly, the fact that it was an injury substitution gave me very little time to be nervous or overthink what was happening," said Nelson of his debut. "And that's just a part of the game. You have to be ready to step in and match the intensity at any moment."
 
The Charleston Battery is an American professional soccer club based in Charleston, South Carolina and member of the United Soccer League. The club announced the signing of Nelson along with the addition of former Bethlehem Steel FC defender AJ Paterson on Thursday, March 7^th. The Battery boasted one of the best defensive records in the USL in 2018 and look to be more dominant with the additions of the two defenders. Nelson joins former Wofford defender Forrest Lasso as a Terrier to sign with the Battery, as Lasso played for the club from 2015-2017 before signing with FC Cincinnatti and moving up into the MLS ranks.
 
"It's a dream come true," said Nelson on signing and going pro. "It's something I've been working towards for a long time so it's been an amazing feeling to make it a reality."
 
A First Team All-SoCon selection this past season, Nelson was second on the team in points (6) and goals (3). He started all 17 games, ranking second on the team in minutes with 1,550 minutes played. A previous Second Team All-SoCon selection in 2016, Nelson finished his Wofford career eighth all-time in games played (73) while totaling 10 goals and one assist.
 
The Battery play next at Memphis 901 FC on Saturday, April 27, at 8 p.m at Autozone Park.