Presented by MUSC Health
Matchday Preview
The Charleston Battery begin the new month at home against Indy Eleven on Fri., Aug 2. Kickoff at Patriots Point is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and the match will stream for free on CBS Sports Golazo Network, and air on local television on WCSC 5.3 (Charleston) and WIS 10.4 (Columbia).
Charleston and Indy meet for the second time of the regular season. The Battery beat Indy on the road in the first match, 2-4, back in April. Charleston rallied from a 2-1 deficit as an own goal and late tally by MD Myers lifted the Battery past the Eleven.
The Battery (12W-3L-7D, 43pts) return home following a grueling two-match road trip in Week 21. Charleston defeated Loudoun United FC, 1-2, in a midweek morning match, featuring goals from Nathan Dossantos and Nick Markanich. They concluded the away trip with a 2-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Indy (9W-6L-5D, 32pts) arrive in Charleston amid a five-match winless run, going 0W-2L-3D in that span. The Indiana club’s most recent match was a scoreless draw against FC Tulsa. Their last victory came on June 15, a 1-0 win over San Antonio FC, which was part of their resurgent eight-game winning streak in the early portion of the year.
Looking at the Eastern Conference standings, the Battery are in second and Indy are in fourth.
Storylines of the Match
Even in All-Time Series – There’s parity in the all-time series with both sides claiming four wins apiece in addition to two draws. The Battery have won two in a row in the fixture, including the sensational 5-0 triumph over Indy in the 2023 playoffs, which was also Indy’s last visit to the Lowcountry.
Top Attackers Duel – The league’s top goalscorer and top assist provider will square off at Patriots Point on Friday. Nick Markanich has the most goals (19) and Aeden Stanley has the most assists (seven). Additionally, Charleston are ranked second in goals scored per match and Indy are ranked fifth.
Penalty Potential – It’s possible that disciplinary action inside the box could play a role in the match. Charleston and Indy are tied for the third-most penalties awarded in the league this season.
Smith Opens Battery Account – Defender Graham Smith scored his first goal for the Battery on the road against Tampa Bay. Smith nearly broke open the game in the opening minutes but was rewarded for his efforts in the 13th minute with a perfectly placed header off Juan David Torres’ cross.
Familiar Face Returns – Potentially lining up for Indy will be former Battery striker Augi Williams, who enjoyed a successful two-year tenure in Charleston before departing after last season. Williams is Indy’s second-highest scorer in the league this year, with five goals.
Milestone Watch – Two Battery players are nearing career milestones in the USL Championship regular season. Jackson Conway is approaching 100 regular season matches (97) and Graham Smith is nearing 150 regular season matches (147).
Pirmann, Grinwis Unavailable – Head Coach Ben Pirmann and goalkeeper Adam Grinwis will be unavailable for Friday’s match as they serve suspensions for red cards picked up in the Tampa Bay match.
From the Training Ground
Midfielder Chris Allan and assistant coach Devin Rensing previewed Friday’s match, with key quotes in the video below:
MATCH INFO
Charleston Battery vs. Indy Eleven
Friday, August 2 – 7:30 p.m. ET Kickoff
Patriots Point
HOW TO WATCH:
Friday’s match will stream for free on the CBS Sports Golazo Network! The Golazo channel can be accessed for free via your CBS Sports app, Paramount+ app, the PlutoTV app or on the channel’s website: https://www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sports-golazo-network
The match will also air on local television on WCSC channel 5.3 in Charleston and WIS channel 10.4 in Columbia. Check the local listing for the exact channel number with your television provider.
A limited amount of tickets for Friday are available now via SeatGeek.com, the Battery’s exclusive digital ticketing provider.
