Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery hosts the Puerto Rico Islanders this Friday night at Blackbaud Stadium; kick off is set for 7:30 PM. The Battery (6-10-3) enters the game on the back of a 2-1 road win versus the Richmond Kickers last Sunday night. This is the first of two scheduled games between the two clubs this season; the Islanders (5-7-4) host the return game on Friday, August 5.

The Puerto Rico Islanders are in their second year as a USL First Division franchise. In 2004 the team finished with a record of 5-17-6 and did not make the playoffs. Charleston played Puerto Rico four times last season tieing three games and losing once.

The Islanders enter the game on the back of a 4-2 home loss to the Atlanta Silverbacks. The game was tied 2-2 at half time but after losing two players to red-card ejections the Islanders conceded two second half goals.

Puerto Rico is coached by second year Head Coach Hugo Maradona. Maradona joined the Islanders in May 2004 after the franchise started the season 0-5-2. Maradona spent three years coaching in the US before taking over the Islanders position; he is the brother of Argentine legend Diego Maradona.

Michael Behonick named to Team of the Week
Charleston Battery goalkeeper Michael Behonick has been named to the USL First Division Team of the Week following two strong performances in a pair of road-games played last weekend. Saturday night versus the Virginia Beach Mariners, Behonick made four saves as the Battery fell 1-0. On Sunday night Behonick recorded a ten-save shut-out as the Battery persevered 1-0 versus the Richmond Kickers.

A native of Bohemia, NY Behonick was a three-year starter at American University. AU and Behonick progressed to the NCAA tournament in 2001 and 2002, losing on both occasions in the sweet-16 stage of the competition. Behonick was originally drafted by DC United in the 2002 MLS Superdraft.

Family Night presented by McAlister Development
The Charleston Battery is hosting its first Family Night of the 2005 season sponsored by McAlister Development Company this Friday night, July 22, 2005 as the Battery hosts the Puerto Rico Islanders; gates open at 6:30 p.m. and kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Families may purchase a special package that includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for only $28, a $20 savings. For families of five or more, additional vouchers may be purchased for $7 each.

Regular tickets for Friday night's game are available priced at $8 - $15; to purchase tickets or for more information please call (843) 971-GOAL or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Andrew Bell
Director of Media & PR
Charleston Battery
(843) 971-4625 x 210
(843) 670-2408