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John Carver, Mike Anhaeuser & Frank Yallop at Friday's media lunch
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3/14/2008 1:53:37 PM
Battery kicks of Challenge Cup versus Major League Soccer’s Red Bulls
Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery faces a stiff pre-season test Saturday night as it squares off against Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls; kick off is set for 8:15 PM ($15 - $25, 971-GOAL / www.charlestonbattery.com). The game is part of the 2008 Carolina Challenge Cup; the first match of the tournament at 6 PM features MLS’s San Jose Earthquakes vs Toronto F.C.
The Battery squad has been together for just under two weeks and defeated the College of Charleston 3-1 Wednesday afternoon in its first scrimmage. Trialists, Tim Velten, David Kenga and Pato Aguilera supplied the goals.
In last years match against New York during the tournament the Battery lost 1-0. Former US men’s national team captain, Claudio Reyna was the difference between the sides, slotting home a second half penalty.
The Red Bulls qualified for their fifth straight Major League Soccer postseason in 2007 and boast one of the most productive strike duos in Major League Soccer with MLS MVP finalist Juan Pablo Angel and 18-year-old Jozy Altidore. Angel is coming off a year in which he scored 19 goals.
New York unveiled Juan Carlos Osorio as their new head coach during the off-season and he is tasked with bringing New York its first MLS Cup. The Colombian and former MetroStars assistant is one of the most experienced coaches in the United States, previously plying his trade in the English Premier League with Manchester City and in the Colombian First Division with Millionarios.
The Red Bulls opened their preseason in Los Angeles in February, before spending two weeks in Salzburg, Austria, training with their sister club, Red Bull Salzburg. New York kicks off its regular season on April 5 at Giants Stadium against the Columbus Crew.
This is the fifth consecutive year for the Carolina Challenge Cup. All three MLS teams will spend the week in Charleston, training between the games as they prepare for the start of the MLS season.
The competition format remains unchanged with three matchday’s each featuring a double-header. The games will be played on Saturday (March 15) – Wednesday (March 19) – Saturday (March 22), with each team playing the other in a round-robin tournament. Remarkably each winner from the previous four Carolina Challenge Cup competitions has gone on to win either the MLS Supporters Shield (regular season championship) or MLS cup.
Challenge Cup Tickets
Tickets for the 2008 edition of the Carolina Challenge Cup are on sale now; fans can purchase tickets for each doubleheader or for the six match series. Tickets for single doubleheaders (includes two games) are priced at $25 Club / Box & $15 bleacher. Series tickets (includes all six games) are also available for $50 Club / Box and $35 Bleacher. To purchase tickets or for more information call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) / www.charlestonbattery.com.
2008 Season Tickets
The Charleston Battery will kick off its 16th season of pro soccer in March 2008; season ticket packages are on sale now starting at $120; to purchase tickets or for more information please call (843) 971-GOAL or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.
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