The Charleston Battery look to bounce back after a 3-1 away defeat to Bethlehem Steel FC this Saturday at 7:30 PM against Nashville SC at MUSC Health Stadium.
It’s a welcome return home for the Battery who have picked up two wins in three home matches this season and hold one of the best home records in the league dating back to the beginning of the 2018 season (12-2-6). “You test yourself as a team, you turn around and you put the loss behind you,” said coach Anhaeuser about the Bethlehem Steel FC match after Friday’s training, “we’re playing at home, training has been great all week, and we’re excited to get back out in front of the home fans.”
Led by forward’s Ian Svantesson and Zeiko Lewis, the Battery have enjoyed consistent attacking play scoring at least one goal in every match this season. The Black and Yellow have managed to score multiple goals in two of three home matches and will look to continue their positive play Saturday night.
Nashville SC head to Charleston for the first match of a three-week road stretch that includes trips to Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Nashville currently sits 4th in the Eastern Conference table with 12 points and a +6 goal differential.
Nashville have won 3 of their last 5 matches including two straight shutout wins over Memphis 901 FC (2-0) and Ottawa Fury FC (3-0). The Nashville backline has gone 215 minutes without conceding and take aim at a club record of 309 minutes without allowing a goal. “The backline has been very reliable,” said head coach Gary Smith, “that includes Matt [Pickens] and Connor [Sparrow]. We want to be tough to beat.”
While defense has been the foundation of Nashville’s success this season the offense has started to find it’s scoring form in the last few weeks. Nashville’s attack is led by forward Daniel Rios who has scored four goals in five games, notching a brace against Ottawa and is tied for second in goals scored in the Eastern Conference.
The match will be broadcast on MyTvCharleston and streamed live on ESPN+. The Battery’s next match will be on April 27th against Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park.
Series/Recent History
Charleston and Nashville played twice in 2018. Both matches finished in 1-1 draws.
May 26th, 2018 – MUSC Health Stadium, CHS 1 (Guerra 50’) NSH 1 (Doyle 25’)
September 22nd, 2018 – First Tennessee Park, NSH 1 (Hume 9’) CHS 1 (Anunga 24’)
Charleston Battery: USL Championship Record, 2-1-2 (Home: 2-0-1)
Team Leaders
Goals: Svantesson (3)
Assists: Lewis, Piggott, Woodbine (1)
Chances Created: Lewis (11)
Saves: Kuzminsky (9)
Clean Sheets: Kuzminsky (1)
Nashville SC: USL Championship Record, 3-1-1 (Away: 1-0-1)
Team Leaders
Goals: Daniel Rios (4)
Assists: Moloto (2)
Chances Created: Moloto (9)
Saves: Pickens (6)
Clean Sheets: Pickens (2)
