CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston Battery left for New York early Friday morning in preparation for the team’s match against New York Red Bulls II.
New York enters the top-four clash riding a 12-game unbeaten streak, while the Battery is unbeaten in its last five matches. The Red Bulls stunned a crowd of more than 16,000 fans at Nippert Stadium Wednesday night, defeating FC Cincinnati 2-1. New York can overtake Louisville City FC for first place in the Eastern Conference with a win against the Battery Saturday afternoon.
The Battery is only two points behind third place Cincinnati, who will have their hands full with Louisville City this weekend, providing Charleston with an opportunity to move up in the standings. Three points on Saturday will put also distance between the Battery and the teams just outside the top four. With a two-point lead on fifth-place Rochester, Charleston is currently in a position to host a first-round playoff game.
Coming off of back-to-back draws, the Battery will be looking to regain its finishing form after failing to find the back of the net versus Orlando City B in the team’s last league match on July 13th. Charleston created several quality scoring opportunities in the match, but couldn’t find the finishing touch.
Conversely, the Red Bulls have been efficient in the final third of late, scoring twelve goals in their previous five matches. New York is led by Brandon Allen and Junior Flemmings who have accounted for 13 of the team’s 30 goals this season; however, both have been held scoreless in their previous two matches.
The Battery played an exhibition against the Nigerian Olympic Team last Sunday to stay fresh during a rare bye week. Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser elected to leave Maikel Chang, Shawn Ferguson, O’Brian Woodbine, and Quinton Griffith in Charleston, giving the regular starters some much needed rest. The international friendly ended 1-0 in favor of the Nigerians, but Charleston’s youngsters played well against the Olympic squad.
Saturday’s match at Red Bull Park will kickoff at 4:00pm. The game can be live streamed via the USL Game Center.
Top Image: Maikel Chang tangles with Tyler Turner during the Battery’s last USL match vs. OCB
Vin Duffy photo.
