The Charleston Battery (7-2-2, 23 pts) remain in first place despite dropping points to New York Red Bulls II at MSU Soccer Park last Sunday. Justin Portillo scored Charleston’s goal in the 2-1 loss to the defending champions, bending a free kick around the wall and past goalkeeper Ryan Meara to his right.
The Battery responded well to the loss, defeating the Jacksonville Armada (NASL) midweek at Southern Oak Stadium to earn a trip to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup. Charleston earned a shutout, which made Drew Beckie’s 25th minute own goal enough to advance in the tournament.
Louisville City (4-1-3, 15 pts) enters this weekend’s match in third place with three and four games in hand on first-place Charleston and second-place Tampa Bay Rowdies. Louisville have picked up three wins away from home this season, defeating Pittsburgh, Orlando, and Richmond.
Louisville have only scored eight goals in eight USL matches this season. George Davis IV leads the team in scoring with three goals. They were shutout for the fourth time this season in their Open Cup loss to FC Cincinnati Wednesday night.
Previous Meeting
Louisville City have caused the Battery trouble in recent years; they knocked Charleston out of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2015 and 2016. Both playoff matches were played at Slugger Field. Louisville also ended the Battery’s two-plus year unbeaten streak at home last May, winning 2-0 at MUSC Health Stadium. Charleston last beat Louisville on September 12, 2015. Goals from Dane Kelly and Justin Portillo helped the Battery to a 2-0 win at MUSC Health Stadium.
