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The Battery will battle the Virginia Beach Mariners in the first round of the playoffs
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8/26/2003 3:20:10 PM
Battery Sets Playoff Dates
Charleston SC. The Charleston Battery will play the Virginia Beach Mariners in the Southeast Division Finals, the first round of the 2003 A-League playoffs. The Battery travels to Virginia Beach for the first of the two-match home-and-home series, Friday, September 5; kick off 7:30 pm. Both teams will return to Blackbaud Stadium for the second game, Sunday, September 7; kick off is set for 6:00 pm.
Charleston Battery Head Coach, Chris Ramsey,
“We are very proud to have made the playoffs; the players showed a lot of character last weekend to clinch two away victories after a succession of ties. We know that the series with the Mariners will be a tough one but this is the time for all the players to stand up and be counted.”
The Charleston Battery has never failed to make the playoffs in its 11 years of existence. In 2002 the Battery lost in the second round to eventual runners-up, the Richmond Kickers. This will be the first visit to the post-season for the Mariners since 2000 when they lost in the conference quarterfinals (playing as the Hampton Roads Mariners).
In four regular season head-to-head games played this year, Virginia Beach won twice while the Battery won once with one game ending in a tie.
The winner of this two-match series will advance to face the Northeast Division champions in the Eastern Conference Final in a second two-match home-and-home series, set for the weekend of September 14. The winner of the Eastern Conference Final will then play the Western Conference champions in the A-League Championship match on September 20, 2003.
The division and conference finals are both aggregate-score series. If the game is tied after the second 90 minute match the teams will play 2 x 15 minute periods of “golden-goal” overtime. If the game is still tied after overtime the winner will be determined by FIFA penalty kicks.
Tickets
Tickets for the playoffs are on sale now priced at $8 - $15. Three Lions Club members receive complimentary tickets to all post-season games while 2003 season ticket holders receive a $2 discount on their playoff tickets. Season tickets holders must purchase their seats before 5 pm on Wednesday, September 3. Group discounts are available; to purchase tickets or for more information call 971-GOAL / www.charlestonbattery.com.
Regular Season Finale
The Battery wraps up its regular season this Saturday at Blackbaud Stadium with a 7:30 pm match versus the Minnesota Thunder. Its Soccer Ball Giveaway night brought to you by Piggly Wiggly with the first 1000 children through the turnstiles receiving a free Battery soccer ball. Tickets are priced at $6 - $12 and can be purchased by calling 971-GOAL / www.charlestonbattery.com.
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