Battery Reacquire Robbie Crawford via Transfer from Monterey Bay

By: Battery Media

The Charleston Battery announced Thursday the return of Scottish midfielder Robbie Crawford to the roster via transfer from Monterey Bay F.C. (MCFC), pending league and federation approval.

“I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be returning to the club, to the city of Charleston, for this opportunity,” said Crawford. “It feels like home having spent the previous two seasons here, so I have familiarity with the team and community already, and they both really mean a lot to me.”

Crawford was a key figure for the Battery from 2020 to 2021, featuring in 41 matches, before signing with Monterey Bay in the offseason. The midfielder has appeared in 11 league games (nine starts) this season, registering 10 chances created, 11 tackles won and 38 duels won. Robbie also scored his first goal with MCFC during his U.S. Open Cup debut earlier this year.

“We’re very happy to welcome Robbie back into the group, he has some really great leadership qualities, he’s got a good engine in the midfield and he has a lot of experience,” said Battery Head Coach Conor Casey. “I think those are three things that can really help this squad now at this point in the season, in addition to the familiarity he already has with a lot of the guys.

During his original two-year tenure with the Battery, Crawford was an engine in the midfield and racked up three goals, one assist, 47 chances created, 46 interceptions, 50 tackles won and 146 duels won.

Robbie had a flair for the dramatic when he scored in 2021, his first goal was a second half equalizer against Atlanta United 2 and the second was a match-winner at home against Loudoun United FC. He was additionally named to the Week 22 Team of the Week for his exceptional play against Atlanta.

Before moving Stateside, Crawford rose through the ranks for the Scottish giants Rangers FC, from the academy to the first team. He also featured for his hometown club, Greenock Morton, during a loan spell in 2014. Robbie made 57 total appearances for Rangers from 2012 to 2016, scoring 7 goals and adding 6 assists.

Crawford added some silverware to his resume during his time with both clubs, winning the Scottish Third Division (2012-13) and Scottish League One (2013-14) with Rangers, and the Scottish League One (2014-15) with Greenock.

The midfielder remained in Scotland for two years, playing for Raith Rovers FC in 2016 and East Kilbride FC in 2017, and then took his talents to Icelanic powerhouse Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar (FH). He got a taste of UEFA competitions with FH in 2017-18 via Champions League qualification and Europa League qualification and again in 2018-19 in Europa League qualification. Crawford moved on to Finnish Premier Division club IFK Mariehamn in 2019.

Robbie is looking forward to his third season with the Black and Yellow and wanted to share a message to the Charleston supporters.

“To the fans, I’d just like to echo what I said previously about how excited I am to be back,” said Crawford. “You always showed me a lot of love, whether at the stadium or around the city, and I know you have continued to turn out in good numbers at Patriots Point to support the team this year. I’m really looking forward to seeing you all out there again and to put on performances you will be proud of.”

Crawford will wear the number 6 and is available for selection in the away match against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on Friday, July 22nd.

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