via CarolinaLive

A Myrtle Beach soccer club is joining a nationwide trend that's breaking down a barrier in the sports world. The Myrtle Beach Mutiny of the National Premier Soccer League has signed the Grand Strand's first openly gay athlete The Mutiny's sporting director says Anton Hysen will be joining the team in a few weeks.

via Myrtle Beach Mutiny Press Release:

The Myrtle Beach Mutiny of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) announced Thursday that they have signed international professional soccer player Anton Hysen for the 2014 season. 

Hysén is an English born, Swedish soccer player who has formerly played for Swedish football club Utsiktens BK as well as the Swedish national U-17 team. 

“I am excited to be joining the Mutiny this season,” said Hysén. “This is a great opportunity for me on a personal and professional level. I hope I can help take the team to the top of the NPSL."

“The Mutiny are very excited to have Anton joining us this year,” said Pat Piscitelli, sporting director for the Mutiny. “A player of his caliber, with his international experience, will bring a positive change to the Mutiny. The Myrtle Beach area is in for a real treat with this team and will have the opportunity to see professional soccer played at a very high level.”

“I am absolutely delighted to have Anton joining us this summer,” said Jack Vandum, head coach for the Mutiny. “Although he is still relatively young in age he will bring great experience to the team having played his soccer at a good professional level in Sweden.

Hysén, the son of former Liverpool defender and Swedish international Glenn Hysén, was born in Liverpool England and whose career includes the Swedish U-17 National Team and Utsiktens BK and a training contract with BK Häcken of the Swedish top division. He was previously a member of Torslanda IK. His older brothers are also soccer players Tobias Hysén (half-brother) and Alexander Hysén.