After five seasons with Charleston Battery AJ Paterson joins the Legion
BIRMINGHAM, AL (Dec.12, 2023) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of Grenada Men’s National Team defender AJ Paterson, pending league and federation approval.
Paterson most recently played for USL Championship Eastern Conference title holders, Charleston Battery. During the 2023 season, Paterson made 25 appearances, registering 62 clearances, 19 interceptions, and two goals for the Battery.
“We are very excited to bring AJ to Birmingham. He is a player we identified to help our team as both player and leader,” said Jay Heaps, President and GM. “He has experience in the league along with the versatility to play multiple positions across the backline and midfield.”
Paterson was selected by New York City FC in the second round as the 42nd pick overall of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft after a successful collegiate career at Wright State University. He continued his professional career for Bethlehem Steel FC in 2018 before signing with the Black and Yellow in 2019. Paterson made 110 appearances across all competitions for the Battery from 2019 to 2023.
“I’m most excited about working with a group of talented individuals,” said Paterson. “I really enjoy the play style and identity the team plays with. They play some really good football and I’m eager to be a part of that.”
“My goal is to help bring a championship to Birmingham. That’s a highly ambitious goal but with a good core group returning, and some new faces, I believe it’s a realistic achievement.”
Internationally, Paterson was called up to the Grenada National team for the first time in October 2018 before the Grenada’s CONCACAF Nations League qualifier against Cuba. Since then, Paterson has been capped 20 times and recorded four goals. During the 2019-20 edition of the Concacaf Nations League, Paterson helped Grenada claim first place in Group A of League ‘B’ and was named captain for its final group game against Belize. Grenada claimed victory in League ‘B’ and earned the country both a place in the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup and promotion to League ‘A’ in the 2022-23 edition of the Concacaf Nations League. The Florida native most recently captained for Grenada during the 2022-23 Nations League against the USMNT and El Salvador.
Transaction: Legion FC signs defender AJ Paterson to a multi-year contract, pending league and federation approval.
Player profile:
- Name: AJ Paterson
- Position: Defender
- Height: 6’2
- Birthday: January 31, 1996
- Age: 27
- Hometown: Key Largo, FL
- Previous Club: Charleston Battery
- Instagram: @ajpaterson
- Twitter: @aj_paterson
2024 Legion FC Roster, as of Dec. 12, 2023
Goalkeepers (2): Matt VanOekel, Trevor Spangenberg
Defenders (4): Alex Crognale, Phanuel Kavita, Moses Mensah, AJ Paterson
Midfielders (3): Enzo Martinez, Mikey Lopez, Matthew Corcoran
Forward (4): Tyler Pasher, Diba Nwegbo, Prosper Kasim, Preston Tabort Etaka
