Match Preview | New Mexico vs. Charleston

Presented by MUSC Health

Matchday Preview

The Charleston Battery head west for their lone road match of the month to take on New Mexico United on Sat., July 12. Kickoff in Albuquerque is set for 9 p.m. ET and the match will stream on ESPN+.

It is the first and only time Charleston and New Mexico will meet in the USL Championship regular season this year. The Battery won the last time they clashed in 2024, a 4-0 triumph at Patriots Point.

Charleston (11W-3L-2D, 35pts) head to Albuquerque after a 1-0 win over North Carolina FC in the Southern Derby on Sunday. It was a rain-soaked early evening at Patriots Point and Emilio Ycaza’s goal in the 40th minute proved to be the winner. Goalkeeper Luis Zamudio posted his fourth clean sheet of the season.

New Mexico (8W-5L-1D, 25pts) return home after being dealt a 1-0 road loss against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Saturday. The match appeared to be nearing a draw until a Robbie Mertz goal late in the second half secured the result for the Hounds. New Mexico held 70% possession during the game but were outshot by a margin of 19 to six.

Looking at their respective standings, Charleston are second in the Eastern Conference and New Mexico are first in the Western Conference.

Storylines of the Match

Black and Yellow Derby – There have been four all-time meetings in the Black and Yellow Derby, as dubbed by supporters of both clubs, and the series is split at two wins apiece. New Mexico won the first two fixtures, but the Battery have won the following two, notching their first win at Isotopes Park in 2023, a 0-1 triumph.

Possession Battle – An interesting element of Saturday’s game to keep an eye on will be the battle for possession. New Mexico and Charleston rank No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in average possession and accurate passes per match in the league this year. The Battery have shown adaptability against teams who dominate possession against them, such as the 4-1 victory over Phoenix Rising FC after retaining only 36% possession.

Houssou’s Return – Saturday will mark Houssou Landry’s return to his old stomping grounds for the first time since joining the Battery. Houssou plied his trade at Isotopes Park in 2024 and was a key figure for the side. Across the regular season and playoffs last year, Houssou led New Mexico in tackles won (42), interceptions (47) and duels won (146). So far this year, Houssou has led the Battery in duels won (83) and tackles won (27), and has the second-most interceptions (18).

Charleston vs. Western Conference – This weekend will be just the third interconference game, and first on the road, for the Battery this season. Charleston have a 2W-0L-0D record against Western Conference sides, with the two wins coming at home against San Antonio FC (4-0) and Phoenix (4-1).

Mind the Gap – Speaking of interconference play, keen observers of the league as a whole will notice the growing difference between the complexion of the conference tables. In the Eastern Conference, a sizeable gap is forming between Charleston and Louisville City FC in the top spots from the rest of the table. Nine points separate Charleston from third-place Loudoun United FC. Conversely, there is greater parity in the Western Conference. Only eight points separate New Mexico in first from Lexington SC in 11th, and the top four spots are within just three points of each other.

Past Halfway – The Battery officially crossed into the second half of the regular season campaign with their 1-0 win over North Carolina. Fourteen matches remain in the regular season and fans will be sure to keep an eye on the Players’ Shield race, which the Battery are two points off pace from Louisville.

Xceptional Standing – Charleston currently have the most goals scored in the league (33) and the best goal differential (+18). Underlying, the Battery have an xGD (Expected Goal Differential) of +10.66, best in the Championship. While the attack has been potent, the defense has been equally stout, as Charleston are one of just five teams with a goals-against-average below 1.00.

Zamudio Rises in Rankings – Goalkeeper Luis Zamudio has been right in the middle of the Battery’s defensive solidity, especially as of late. The shot-stopper recorded back-to-back shutouts in Week 18 after the Battery also had a midweek match. Zamudio ranks second among Golden Glove-eligible goalkeepers with a save percentage of 74.5 percent and a -1.45 Goals Prevented mark on 40 saves. He’s also posted a 0.87 goals-against average.

Akpunonu Top-10 – Joey Akpunonu has blossomed in his first season in the Lowcountry and his impact at center-back has placed him among the league’s best. Akpunonu has the fourth-most blocks in the Championship (15) and is tied for the ninth-most clearances (82).

Mid-Season Award Recognition – Charleston received a trio of nominations for the Championship’s Mid-Season Awards: Luis Zamudio for Goalkeeper of the Year, Ben Pirmann for Coach of the Year and Juan David Torres for Player of the Year. The informal honors are entirely a fan vote and ballots can be cast on the league website now.

Milestone Watch – Two of the Battery’s defenders are closing in on personal milestones. Nathan Dossantos is one game away from 100 career appearances in the USL Championship regular season. Mark Segbers is two matches away from 200 career appearances in the USL Championship regular season and is 103 minutes away from 15,000 minutes played in the league.