What You Need to Know: Charleston Battery v The Miami FC

After a commanding 3-0 Southern Derby win away against North Carolina FC, the Battery return home Wednesday to host The Miami FC for the first time in both clubs’ histories. Charleston takes to the pitch in front of a limited number of fans for the first time this season and will look to put in an impressive performance for the returning, albeit smaller, home crowd. The Battery have scored six goals in their last two matches, a feat not accomplished since October of 2019, and with a clean eight points ahead of third-place Atlanta in Group H, the Black and Yellow seek a win against Miami to set sights on group leader Tampa Bay Rowdies, who they face on Saturday.

For two consecutive matches, Charleston showed their dominance in the attack with three second-half goals against both Atlanta and North Carolina. Home again, the Battery will look to come out early putting pressure on the Miami side. While the second-half attack remains strong for Charleston, Coach Mike Anhaeuser plans for his squad to make an impact in the first 45’ for the returning home crowd.

Miami may have imagined a better inaugural USL Championship season, but they’ve recognized their ground to cover in Group H and head to Charleston coming off an impressive 2-1 win over Charlotte Independence. The Battery plan to capitalize on a Miami side that has conceded 15 goals this season and has seen 5 of their 9 goals coming from one player, former Battery forward Romario Williams. Building on successive defensive performances, Charleston plans to hold off a Miami squad looking to build on the momentum from their first win last Sunday.

Ones to Watch this Week

Romario Williams

With a team-leading five goals in six games, the former Battery favorite has contributed the majority of Miami’s 9 goals this year. Additionally, Williams is averaging 1 goal for every 3 shots taken with his 15 shots on the year. As a heavy threat on the attack, the Charleston back line will look to crowd the middle of the box and keep Williams at bay.

Mauro Cichero

Cichero has now scored in 2 of his 3 starts and comes off a solid outing against North Carolina FC which saw him moving up into the attacking role and creating four chances, three of which were converted by the Battery in the 3-0 shutout away. Reaffirming what we’ve said before, Mauro has definitely found his footing and comfort in a transitional role. With Miami’s 15 goals conceded so far, keep an eye on Cichero as he looks to expose an experienced Miami back line that is still coming together.

From the Training Ground

The boys returned off the Southern Derby win with hardware in tow Thursday for a day off before back to training, including a scrimmage on the main pitch last Saturday.

When considering the week between games and focus on 2 home games in 4 days, Coach Mike Anhaeuser beamed about the team’s focus and resolve. “I don’t think the focus is really something we have to worry about. These players look at the standings, they know exactly what’s going on. We know Miami and Tampa Bay are both very good teams. We’re going to take one game at a time with Miami in our first game and not worry about Saturday until we take care of this one Wednesday.”

“The focus has been great, the training was great yesterday, today and even the scrimmage on Saturday. I’m feeling pretty good and I think the guys are feeling very good,” he added.

As of posting, midfielder Kierron Mason is unavailable.