CHARLESTON, S.C. — Columbia men's soccer alumnus Arthur Bosua '18CC has signed his first professional contract with Charleston Battery of the United Soccer League. The club announced Bosua's signing on Friday.
Bosua was a two-time Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Ivy League honoree in his four years with the Lions. He went unsigned last season after suffering an injury in training.
"I'm excited and grateful to sign my first contact with Charleston Battery," Bosua said. "I couldn't ask for a better place to start my career. The club has such a rich history of achievement and has been so good to me since I arrived. I will do all I can to contribute to the club's continued success."
Charleston finished fourth in the Eastern Conference in 2018 and have been a perennial qualifier for the USL Cup Playoff. The team's first game of the 2019 season was on Saturday against Ottawa Fury FC, where Bosua made his debut as a substitute in the 74th minute.
"It's fantastic to see Arthur land in Charleston, a wonderful organization and community to play for," Columbia head coach Kevin Anderson said. "It's been a while, but having played there myself, I'm certain Arthur will fully enjoy his experience. Now, he has the opportunity and responsibility to uphold the storied tradition of Charleston's championship teams of the past.
"I want to personally thank the Charleston coaching staff for providing Arthur with the opportunity to trial with them over the last month. I could not be happier that they have come to an agreement."
Bosua graduated with 27 goals, 12 assists and 66 points, ranking seventh in Columbia history in both goals scored and points. The Johannesburg, South Africa native's 12 goals and 29 points from his 2017 senior campaign also each rank No. 7 in the single-season record books.
"Playing professionally has always been a dream of mine since I saw Wayne Rooney playing for Manchester United," Bosua added. "It's been a tough road this past year but now it's time to live my dream out and continue to develop day by day."
Bosua and the Battery continue their USL Championship season on Saturday at home to Hartford Athletic.
