Presented by MUSC Health
Matchday Preview
The Charleston Battery are set to host New Mexico United on Sat., March 23, in the Battery’s 2024 home opener. Kickoff at Patriots Point is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Charleston won last year’s contest between the sides in Albuquerque, 0-1, thanks to a late Augi Williams goal assisted by Nick Markanich.
Heading into Week 3, the Battery are undefeated with a pair of road draws (0W-0L-2D). Charleston played Oakland Roots SC to a 1-1 tie in California, with Markanich scoring the club’s first goal of the new season.
New Mexico have played exclusively against Eastern Conference sides through the first two matchweeks. United defeated Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1-0 in the opener and drew 1-1 against expansion club Rhode Island FC.
Storylines of the Match
Fourth Black and Yellow Derby – Saturday marks meeting No. 4 between Charleston and New Mexico. While the Battery won last year’s fixture, United hold a slight 2W-1L-0D advantage in the all-time series.
No Place Like Home – After two road matches to start the year, the Battery are back at Patriots Point for the first time in 2024. Fans can expect pre-match festivities celebrating the club’s 2023 Eastern Conference Title ahead of kickoff.
Building on Growth – Charleston had 10 players make their club debuts through the first two weeks but last Saturday’s match highlighted the newly-built squad’s growth, particularly on offense. The Battery fired off 21 shots in Week 2, compared to just nine in Week 1. They will look to turn that increased potency into more goals in Week 3.
Ones to Watch – Charleston midfielder Aaron Molloy is tied for the league lead in chances created with seven. New Mexico goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is currently the league leader in saves with 11.
Black and Yellow (Cards) – Both Charleston and New Mexico are tied for the second-most yellow cards received (eight) in the league after two matches. Only Indy Eleven (10) have received more.
From the Training Ground
Head Coach Ben Pirmann and midfielder Arturo Rodriguez previewed Saturday’s match, with key quotes to follow.
MATCH INFO
Charleston Battery vs. New Mexico United
Saturday, March 23 – 7:30 p.m. ET Kickoff
Patriots Point
HOW TO WATCH:
Saturday’s match will air on local television on WCSC channel 5.3 (Live 5 News/CBS) in Charleston and WIS channel 10.4 (News 10/NBC/The CW) in Columbia.
It will also stream on ESPN+ domestically and through the league’s YouTube channel for free internationally.
