Akwari becoming a fixture in Battery's lineup

Vin Duffy
Charleston Battery

Charleston defender Nelson Akwari (left) fights for a ball during a victory over Rochester earlier this season.

Charleston Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser wasn't in the market for a defender.

But when a player with the pedigree of a Nelson Akwari comes available, you find a way to make room on your roster.

A week before the start of the season, the Battery already had three former Major League Soccer defenders β€” John Wilson, Marco Reda and Jack Stewart β€” signed for the upcoming season.

But when Charlotte Eagles (USL2) coach Mark Steffens called Anhaeuser in early March to let him know that Akwari, who has 80 games of MLS experience under his belt, was looking for a team, the Battery head coach figured he had nothing lose.

"We were really not looking for another defender," Anhaeuser said. "We had John and Marco and Jack already signed, but one thing I've learned is that you can never have too much depth, especially in the back, so we brought him down to take a look at him."

After three impressive performances in the preseason Carolina Challenge Cup, Anhaeuser signed Akwari and the former UCLA star has been a permanent fixture in the Battery's lineup ever since.

"It was just one of those things that worked out for everyone," Anhaeuser said. "Jack left to play in Europe and Nelson stepped right into his spot and he's done a fantastic job. He's a great player to have because of what he does on and off the field. You can't have enough guys like Nelson on your team."

Akwari's path to the Lowcountry and the USL First Division has certainly had its share of bumps along the way.

In the late 1990s, Akwari was one of the premier high school soccer players in the United States. A two-time Parade All-American at Houston's Strake Jesuit High School, he captained both the Under-17 and Under-20 national teams.

"It's an honor to play on those teams, let alone be the captain," Akwari said. "It was a great experience for me. I got to play against some incredible competition and see a lot of the world."

The Under-17 national team included such current U.S. World Cup team members as Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Bobby Convey.

"Those guys were great to play win," Akwari said. "I felt like it was distinct privilege to lead some of the best players in the United States. DaMarcus and I are still really close friends."

After graduating from Strake Jesuit, Akwari had plenty of offers to play soccer not only at the collegiate level, but professionally in Europe and the MLS. Nelson eventually signed with UCLA.

"I thought it was important for me to go to college and get an education," Akwari said. "UCLA is a great academic school and to get an education like that for free and to play soccer was an opportunity I couldn't pass on."

After two years with the Bruins, Akwari left school to play professionally in Europe, but couldn't find a home.

"I started out in Belgium, then Italy and finally Germany, but I just couldn't stick over there," Akwari said. "I trained with all of those teams for about six months, but I wasn't getting any playing time, so I came back to the United States."

In the fall of 2002, New York got his rights in a lottery and Akwari played the final month of the season with the MetroStars.

He was traded to Columbus in 2003 and played with the Crew for two seasons, making 16 starts in 2004 as the team won the MLS Supporter's Shield, for the best record during the regular season.

"I felt like I really grew as a player in Columbus," Akwari said. "I kind of established myself as a starter in the MLS."

Akwari had been so good for the Crew, that the Real Salt Lake took him in the MLS expansion draft in 2005. In Salt Lake, Akwari was reunited with former Under-17 head coach John Ellinger.

Akwari spent two seasons with Salt Lake and making 41 appearances, by far his most extensive playing time in the MLS.

"On the field, things went pretty well," Akwari said. "I was getting a lot of playing time, which was great."

Off the field, it was a different matter. The son of Nigerian parents, Akwari is a deeply religious person.

"I have a very deep Christian faith and in a place like Salt Lake City that doesn't always sit well with people," Akwari said. "Salt Lake City is a beautiful place and the people are nice, but there were times when being an African-American made me kind of stand out from everyone else."

Real Salt Lake wanted to sign Akwari for the 2007 season, but he had other ideas. When Charlotte, a team in the USL Second Division called, Akwari listened to their offer.

"They're a Christian-ministry team, so they were what I was looking for on and off the field," Akwari said. "Leaving the MLS to play in Charlotte wasn't a good move professionally, but spiritually and personally it was the right move."

It was during a preseason game in 2007 that Anhaeuser first became aware that Akwari wasn't in the MLS anymore.

"Obviously, I knew who Nelson was from what he'd done in at the youth level and in college and the MLS," Anhaeuser said. "To be honest, I was surprised that he was playing in Charlotte."

After one season in the USL Second division, Akwari wanted more of a challenge.

"My experience in Charlotte was great, but I wanted to play at a higher level if I could this season," Akwari said.

At 26, Akwari thinks there's still a chance for him to return to the MLS or even Europe.

"I would like to play at a higher level," Akwari said. "If it's the MLS, great. If it's Europe, great. My goal right now is to improve and become a better player."

Reach Andrew Miller at apmiller@postandcourier.com and check out the new Battery blog at charleston.net/blogs/battery/