Charleston Battery have signed Ricky Garbanzo, Nico Rittmeyer, Ryan Arambula, Joe Kuzminsky, and Robbie Robinson for the 2017 season, the Club announced Tuesday. All five players will be available for the Battery’s USL opener this Saturday.

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Garbanzo returns to the Battery for his third season. The Rock Hill native had an impressive rookie campaign, scoring six goals and earning the Battery’s Newcomer of the Year award in 2015. Prior to joining the Battery, Garbanzo scored 40 goals and tallied 21 assists in four years at Coastal Carolina.

Kuzminsky will see his first professional action in Charleston this season. The 6-4 goalkeeper joins the Battery following a successful collegiate career at University of Alabama-Birmingham. Kuzminsky was the starting goalkeeper for his final three years as a Blazer and served as team captain during his senior year. The Denver native spent time with Colorado Rapids Under 18 Development Academy as a youth player.

Rittmeyer and Arambula will also spend their rookie seasons in Charleston. The two midfielders, along with Robinson, who signed an academy contract with the pro team on Tuesday, are products of Charleston’s academy.

Rittmeyer grew up in Savannah, Georgia and spent almost his entire youth career in Charleston. Following his success with the SC Battery Academy, Rittmeyer went on to play at the University of North Carolina for one season before transferring to the College of Charleston. The midfielder was a two-time captain and a two-time All-CAA selection as a Cougar.

Arambula, a graduate from the University of South Carolina, joins the Battery after spending last summer with the Myrtle Beach Mutiny of the NPSL. As a Gamecock, Arambula was a four-time member of the Conference USA and Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Rolls and led his class in assists. Arambula was a member of the Battery academy from 2008-2012.

Robinson, 18, will play on an academy contract this season while he finishes high school. The pacey forward, who was also on an academy contract last season, appeared in Charleston’s friendlies against the Nigerian Olympic Team and Rangers FC and was included in the 18-man roster for two USL games in 2016.

The five signings finalize Charleston Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser’s roster heading into the opening weekend. Atlanta United are expected to send at least two players to Charleston prior to Saturday’s match against FC Cincinnati.   

Charleston Battery vs. FC Cincinnati kicks off at 7:00pm, gates open at 5:30. All matches will be available online at charlestonbattery.com.