What You Need to Know: Charleston Battery v Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Battery hit the pitch again at home this Saturday against Tampa Bay Rowdies after putting three goals in the back of the net for their third consecutive game after Wednesday’s victory over The Miami FC. Going five straight matches now undefeated, the Black and Yellow face a Rowdies side that has arguably been one of the best teams in the USL Championship this season and one of two remaining undefeated squads in the league. With the offensive statement the Battery have made over the past 3 matches, they’ll look to hand Tampa Bay their first loss for the year and climb to within one point of the Group H leader.

After successive slow starts in the first half, Charleston broke what had become a recurring theme and came out strong against Miami putting up two goals in the first half. Coach Mike Anhaesuser’s lineup will need to repeat Wednesday’s first half success against Tampa Bay this weekend and apply pressure early in front of a home crowd.

Charleston hasn’t lost since July 31, when the Battery visited Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg and were handed a 2-0 defeat by the Rowdies. Since that loss, though, the Battery’s chemistry has only grown as shown by the distribution of scoring across the roster and nine goals in their last three matches, a first for Charleston in the USL Championship era.

In the second of four meetings this season, Saturday should see a more evened matchup as both teams are now equal with 16 goals apiece and controlling possession for roughly the same proportion per game. With the Charleston back line’s stout performances of late, they’ll look to stifle Tampa Bay’s attack for a result different than their first meeting in July.

Ones to Watch

Forrest Lasso

A standout performance from Rowdies defender, Forest Lasso, will be the key for his team as his team-leading 49 clearances almost always turn into attacking opportunities for their powerhouse offense. Lasso is a familiar face to Charleston, having scored 7 goals for the Battery across three seasons (2015-17). He plays a dual-threat and will look to pressure Charleston’s defenders and add to his single goal on the season.

AJ Paterson

AJ Paterson continues to create opportunities and provide his teammates with scoring chances after tallying his third assist for the year on Wednesday night. Opposite Logan Gdula as the outside backs, the two have been playing further up and applying more pressure to opponents which will be key to taking advantage of opportunities early against the Rowdies.

From the Training Ground:

With a quick turn between home matches, the boys participated in a light practice on Thursday and final game prep at the training ground on Friday.

“We came out well [against Miami]. We need to do that [on Saturday],” Coach Mike Anhaeuser commented while previewing the Tampa Bay matchup. “We’re at home. We want to dictate what happens. And we want to put them on the back foot. We know Tampa Bay’s a very good team but the first half performance is something we want to try to mirror from Wednesday.”

On the recent success of the attack and distribution of goals, Coach added, “You obviously have your 3 or 4 guys that you’re leaning on a little more, but we’re catching goals from other places. Out of the back. Our wingers. And then our strikers, we’re asking them to be dangerous and be there. It’s great of our team not being one dimensional.”

As of posting, Keirron Mason is listed as unavailable.