The Charleston Battery come into their first match with Ottawa Fury FC sitting atop the Eastern Conference table with 12 points. Charleston have scored the most goals in the USL (13) on their way to a 4-1-0 record in the first five games.
Forrest Lasso scored the Battery’s opening goal in their 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies a week ago. Lasso connected with Justin Portillo from a set piece for the third time this season. Portillo currently leads the league in assists with four.
Maikel Chang scored his second goal in as many games in the match against the Rowdies, while Tah Brian Anunga scored his first goal ever for the Club. Anunga’s goal came at the death in the match in St. Petersburg, handing the Rowdies their first loss at home this season.
Ottawa come into Saturday’s match at the opposite end of the table in fourteenth place. The Fury have only won one of their first four matches this season, defeating the Richmond Kickers, 1-0, in week four.
Ottawa have struggled to find the back of the net in the early portion of the 2017 season, scoring only four goals in four matches. The USL newcomers have been shutout twice, but have also earned two shutouts on the defensive end to keep their goal differential at -1. Callum Irving earned both shutouts in goal.
Players to Watch
CHARLESTON – Maikel Chang will be looking to extend his scoring streak to three games Saturday night against Ottawa. The Cuban winger had a rough start to the season, but has been in good form since scoring his first goal of the season against Rochester in week four. In addition to scoring goals, Chang is third on the Battery roster in chances created. Chang’s ability to deliver quality crosses from out wide or cut in and put a shot on frame keeps defenders off balance. Look for him to continue to attacking down the flanks against Ottawa.
OTTAWA – Steevan Dos Santos has caused Charleston trouble in the past. The former Rochester Rhino routinely scored goals and created dangerous chances in his matches against the Battery. Dos Santos has only scored one goal for Ottawa so far in 2017, but if Paul Dalglish names him in the XI Saturday night, Charleston center backs Taylor Mueller and Forrest Lasso will need to keep a tight eye on him.
