Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery heads to Orlando FL Saturday night for a USL PRO American Division semifinal playoff match versus the Orlando City Lions. The Battery advanced to the post-season with a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Charlotte Eagles Friday night at Blackbaud Stadium. Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on 1340AM starting at 7:30 PM and will also be available via an audio-only web stream at www.charlestonbattery.com.

Midfielder Mike Zaher led the way on Friday with a pair of superb first half goals. Forward’s Zach Prince and Dane Kelly also tallied as the Battery scored four goals in a game for this first time since June 11, 2010.

Trailing 4-1 but needing just a draw to earn a place in the playoffs, Charlotte tried to mount a late rally. The Eagles hit the post with just under 10 minutes to go, and were thrown a life-line when Sallieu Bundu scored in stoppage time to cut the deficit to two. Miguel Ferrer then scored again in the 94th minute, making it 4-3, but Charlotte didn’t have enough time to mount another attack, allowing the Battery to survive and advance.

The Battery played Orlando three times in the regular season winning 1-0 on July 9 at Blackbaud Stadium then losing twice in Orlando on August 3 (1-0) and August 6 (2-1).

USL PRO Divisional Semifinals
Friday, August 19, 2011
American Division
No.3 Richmond Kickers at No.2 Wilmington Hammerheads, 7:30 p.m., Legion Stadium

National Division
No.3 Los Angeles Blues at No.2 Harrisburg City Islanders, 7:30 p.m., Skyline Sports Complex
No.4 Pittsburgh Riverhounds at No.1 Rochester Rhinos, 7:30 p.m., Sahlen’s Stadium

Saturday, August 20, 2011
American Division
No.4 Charleston Battery at No.1 Orlando City, 7:30 p.m., Florida Citrus Bowl (1340AM / www.charlestonbattery.com).