The Charleston Battery will begin play in the 2018 U.S. Open Cup Wednesday night against South Georgia Tormenta FC (PDL) at MUSC Health Stadium.
Tormenta FC advanced to the second round of the Open Cup by defeating the Myrtle Beach Mutiny, 2-1, last Wednesday at North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex. Toni Soler and Jad Arslan scored Tormenta’s goals in the victory.
There are several roster connections between the two teams; Battery fans will recognize Tormenta’s #12, Manolo Sanchez, from preseason, while Nico Rittmeyer and Leland Archer both previously spent time with the Statesboro, GA Club. Rittmeyer has appeared in seven games for the Battery this season; Archer signed his first ever professional contract with the USL side last week.
Wednesday’s match is the Battery’s first in the 2018 Open Cup. Charleston advanced to the fourth round of the 2017 tournament, beating Atlanta Silverbacks and Jacksonville Armada on their way to a match-up with Atlanta United. The MLS side ended the Battery’s cup run, earning a 3-2 win at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA last June.
The Battery is one of only two lower-division clubs to advance to the Open Cup Final since the MLS era began in 1998. Charleston advanced the the final in 2008, ultimately falling to D.C. United, 2-1, at RFK Stadium.
Should the Battery advance, they will take on the winner of the Seacoast United Phantoms (PDL) and Elm City Express (NPSL) in the third round. The result of the match between the Phantoms and the Express will determine home field advantage for the third round.
Tickets for Wednesday’s Open Cup match cost $7 and are available now at https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com. As is customary for midweek matches at MUSC Health Stadium, Wednesday night will be a Dollar Beer Night. Fans can enjoy $1 beers beginning when gates open at 5:30 PM and continuing throughout the game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.
