Charleston
The Battery enter Saturday’s match coming off of a tough U.S. Open Cup loss to their MLS affiliate, Atlanta United. Charleston gave up two one-goal leads in the Open Cup match at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia Wednesday night. Justin Portillo, Ataulla Guerra, and Romario Williams all missed the Open Cup match, leaving Charleston with a tough mountain to climb. With the main pieces of the Battery attack missing in action, Forrest Lasso and Dante Marini scored in the 3-2 loss that knocked them out of the tournament.
Prior to the Cup loss, Charleston continued their fine league form, defeating long-time rival Richmond Kickers, 1-0, at MUSC Health Stadium last Saturday. Portillo converted a penalty kick in the 26th minute and the Battery defense led the way for the remainder of the match. Odisnel Cooper earned his fourth shutout in goal in the match.
Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati experienced Open Cup jubilation midweek, defeating Columbus Crew SC in front of more than 30,000 fans at Nippert Stadium Wednesday night. Djiby Fall scored FCC’s only goal, while Mitch Hildebrandt earned the shutout in goal.
Cincinnati have had sporadic success in the 2017 USL season and enter Saturday’s match in eighth place with a record of 4-5-4. FCC have played well at home, earning three of their four wins at Nippert Stadium.
Fall returned from a six game suspension in FCC’s previous USL match, coming on as a substitute in the 72nd minute against Charlotte Independence. Despite Djiby’s return to the pitch, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Previous Meeting
The Battery topped FC Cincinnati in the opener of the 2017 season at MUSC Health Stadium. Justin Portillo scored the game winner after Djiby Fall cancelled out Forrest Lasso’s opening goal. The Battery are unbeaten in their four matches against FCC (3-0-1) since they joined the USL in 2016.
