Atlanta United crossed off another item from their list of goals to accomplish on the way to beginning play in MLS in 2017.

The club announced Friday an affiliation with the Charleston Battery of the United Soccer League for a one-year partnership, with the possibility of an extended affiliation.

Since a league mandate in 2015, each MLS team secured an agreement with a USL affiliate. Atlanta United’s agreement with the Battery allows United to establish their affiliation a year ahead of United’s inaugural season in MLS.

“Partnering with the Battery as our USL affiliate makes sense for us on many levels,” Atlanta United

President Darren Eales said in a news release. “The affiliation gives us the opportunity to sign players in 2016 and develop them in a high‐level, professional environment while adding value to the Battery’s existing roster. We also like the close proximity of Charleston to Atlanta which gives our supporters an early opportunity to attend matches and contribute to the atmosphere.”