Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery heads to Atlanta Friday for an 8 PM match versus the Silverbacks. Charleston 7-12-4, 25 points enters the game in a tie for 7th position in the USL First Division. The Atlanta Silverbacks 7-12-3, 24 points are currently in 9th position; the top six teams make the playoffs. This is the fourth and final meeting between the two clubs this season; the series is split with one win apiece and one tie.

The Battery dropped a 2-1 decision to the Silverbacks in the opening game of the 2005 season in a match played at Blackbaud Stadium. Charleston tied Atlanta 0-0 in Atlanta in the second game then defeated the Silverbacks 2-1 at Blackbaud on May 28; Justin Evans and Jesus Martinez scored the goals for the Battery.

Atlanta has made a coaching change since the last meeting replacing David Vaudreuil with Jason Smith; Smith has been at the helm of the Piedmont College men and women's soccer programs for 12 seasons and is currently the President of the Gwinnett County-based youth soccer association, the Georgia Futbol Club.

The Southern Derby Cup
In addition to league implications Friday night's game will also decide the fate of the 2005 Southern Derby Cup. Created in 2000 the Southern Derby is an intra-league competition run by the fans of Atlanta and Charleston.

The 2006 Southern Derby Cup will be decided on aggregate goals. The only games that count are the last two home games that the Silverbacks and Battery play against each other. Charleston currently has a 2-1 edge from the first leg held on May 28 at Blackbaud Stadium. Should Atlanta win 2-1 and the contest end in the tie, Derby organizers have decided a draw will be declared, but the cup will remain in Atlanta.

Ugo Okoye named to USL First Division team of the week
Charleston Battery midfielder Ugo Okoye has been named to the USL First Division Team of the Week following solid performances last weekend in games versus Puerto Rico and Virginia Beach. The Battery lost 2-1 in Puerto Rico Friday night but responded Sunday with a gritty 0-0 tie versus the Mariners at Blackbaud Stadium. Okoye is in his first season with the Charleston Battery.

A native of Anambra, Nigeria, Okoye began his professional career with Plateau United of the Nigerian Premier League. He spent two years with Plateau before being transferred to Iwuanyanwu National F.C. Okoye played three seasons with Iwuanyanwu before joining Highlanders F.C.

Okoye has represented Nigeria twice at the full national level; he has also played with the U17, U20 & U23 Nigeria Men's National Team.

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