The Charleston Battery enter this weekend’s match against Saint Louis FC riding a four-game unbeaten streak. The Battery’s 5-1-1 record has them at the top of the Eastern Conference table, with a two point lead and a game in hand on the second place Tampa Bay Rowdies. Saturday’s match is the team’s final game at home this month.
Charleston beat Bethlehem Steel FC, 1-0, at MUSC Health Stadium last week. Ataulla Guerra scored the game’s only goal in the 18th minute and earned a spot on the week seven USL Team of the Week for his efforts in the match. Odisnel Cooper earned the shutout in goal, his second of the season.
The Battery traveled to Savannah midweek for a friendly against their PDL affiliate, Torment FC. Coach Anhaeuser played his entire roster, except for Justin Portillo and Maikel Chang, in the 1-1 draw at Daffin Park. Guerra scored the Battery’s equalizer in the 85th minute.
Saint Louis was idle last week after their match against Rochester was postponed due to weather. They drew, 0-0, with Orlando City B at Toyota Stadium in Saint Louis in their previous match. Saint Louis haven’t won a game in a month, with their last win coming against Pittsburgh on April 11th. During the winless streak, they lost to FC Cincinnati (4-0) and Charlotte Independence (2-1).
Previous Meeting
The two sides last met at MUSC Health Stadium in 2015 prior to Saint Louis’ one-year stint in the Western Conference in 2016. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Heviel Cordoves nabbing an 89th minute equalizer to keep Charleston’s unbeaten streak at home alive. Saint Louis were eventually reduced to nine men after Oskar Gasecki and Kingsley Price were sent off in the 84th and 89th minutes.
Next Up
Following Saturday night’s match against Saint Louis FC, the Battery will travel to Silverbacks park for an Open Cup tie with the Atlanta Silverbacks.
