Otters Sign Charlie Betts and Conor Pugh to Bolster Attack
It is not uncommon for the Otters to make late-preseason, or even midseason additions to continually improve the team, and this year is no exception. The Otters have signed forwards Charlie Betts from local Milligan University and Conor Pugh from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina. The Otters continue to prepare for their first home game of the USL League Two season THIS FRIDAY, June 4th when they face Lionsbridge FC at 7 PM inside TVA Credit Union Ballpark! Tickets are now on sale at ottersoccer.com or on HappsNow!
Charlie Betts originally attended the Otters open tryout in January, playing well in less than ideal conditions. At Milligan, the Australian attacker played well as a freshman, appearing in 15 matches and bagging five goals and four assists, including two game winners. Betts also finished second on the team in both total shots (27) and shots on goal (18) for the Buffaloes. As a team, Milligan had one of their most successful seasons in recent memory, winning the AAC Regular Season Championship and making the NAIA Tournament for the first time since the 2006 season. In the first round, the Buffs pulled off a thrilling 3–2 overtime win before falling 2–1 to St. Thomas ending their season. Milligan finished ranked 22nd overall in the nation. After a preseason trial, and strong performances in both exhibition games against Appalachian FC, the Otters opted to add Betts to the 2021 roster.
Conor Pugh comes to the Otters from one of the top mid-major men’s soccer programs in the country. With Coastal Carolina, Pugh played in 15 matches, starting ten. The sophomore from Ireland tallied three goals and three assists, good for third and second on the team, respectively. Pugh began his career at Onondaga Community College as a freshman in 2019, scoring 19 goals and being named the MSAC Player of the Year. The Chanticleers won the Big South Championship in the fall and qualified for the NCAA Tournament this spring, falling 3–2 to Wake Forest in the second round. Pugh trialed with the Otters following the tournament run and was subsequently signed after a good week of training and scoring in the Otters reserve game against the NC Fusion.
Coming off a big 5–0 win over the NCFC U-23s, the Otters are continuing to prep for the league home opener against Lionsbridge FC. Tickets are on sale now on ottersoccer.com and start at just $10 and fans 12 and younger get in FREE! Help #PackThePerch and cheer the Otters on to victory! Be sure to follow the Otters on social media to stay up to date on all things Otters from camp to games to events and not miss a thing! #FearTheFur
