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The Charleston Battery take on Nashville SC at First Tennesee Park at 8:00 PM on Saturday night. This weekend’s match will be the third time the two teams have met this season which includes a Third Round U.S. Open Cup match on May 29th.

Nashville SC is coming off a midweek loss to New York Red Bulls II. Nashville continued their strong run of form Wednesday night opening the scoring against New York ten minutes into the match. Assist leader Lebo Moloto whipped in a strong cross following a corner and Ken Tribbett headed home his fourth goal of the season while Dylan Stroud brought the high flying Red Bulls II level just before the break. Former Battery defender Forrest Lasso was sent off in the 65th minute, picking up his second yellow card of the match for a foul on Sebastian Elney. Kyle Duncan took advantage of ten-man Nashville six minutes later, driving a powerful shot past Connor Sparrow, grabbing the game-winner.

The Battery look to turn things around after their loss to Louisville City FC last Saturday night. For the second straight week, Charleston picked up the first goal of the match, this time through Ataulla Guerra. Jay Bolt was credited with the assist after playing the ball up to Guerra from Charleston’s defensive third. Guerra took advantage of the wet field conditions beating Sunny Jane to the ball and slipping one past Chris Hubbard. Louisville’s Magnus Rasmussen converted on a penalty in the 30th minute and substitute George Davis IV scored a late second-half goal to steal three points for Louisville on the road.

Season Sweep – Charleston should feel confident heading into Saturday nights match with Nashville SC. The Battery took three points against the future MLS side in a 3-1 win at MUSC Health Stadium on April 20th. Jarad van Schaik scored a pair of beauties in the contest, opening the scoring with a well-struck half volley in the 14th minute. Arthur Bosua doubled the Battery’s lead with his first goal for the club and van Schaik secured the win with a perfect free-kick that clipped the underside of the crossbar in the 73rd minute.

Daniel Rios grabbed a late consolation goal from the penalty spot but the match was already won. The result remains Nashville’s largest margin of defeat this year and only the second time the club has allowed three goals this season. It was a convincing win for Charleston, as the Battery limited the number of quality scoring chances for the visitors while making the most of their opportunities. Nashville edged out Charleston in shot attempts, but only managed to put three of their thirteen on target (23%). On the flip side, Charleston challenged or beat Matt Pickens on seven of their twelve attempts (58%).

Charleston eliminated Nashville from the U.S. Open Cup in the Third Round after Phil Breno made two big saves in the penalty shootout. Nicque Daley and Kharlton Belmar traded goals in regular time before Breno denied Liam Doyle and Matt LaGrassa in the shootout. Zeiko Lewis, Leland Archer, and Ian Svantesson all converted on their attempts to send the Battery into the Fourth Round.

Defensive Reinforcements – Nashville has been proactive in strengthening their squad, bringing in defenders Jimmy Ockford and Forrest Lasso on season-long loan deals. Ockford joined Nashville from the San Jose Earthquakes while Lasso returned to the USL Championship from FC Cincinnati. The duo has made an immediate impact with Ockford leading the Nashville defense in a 0-2 win against Memphis on July 17th. The shutout win was the first of a five-game span in which Nashville went without conceding a goal. Lasso joined Ockford a week later and the pair have started every match since.

While Lasso will miss out on Saturday’s match, Nashville remains one of the league’s strongest defensive units conceding a total of twenty-two goals on the year (0.88 goals per game). That’s good for the third-best total in the league behind only the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Indy Eleven. Couple that with Daniel Rios’ seventeen goals (currently second in the USL Championship) and it’s no surprise Nashville is one of the league’s elite teams.

It was a historic night at MUSC Health Stadium on Saturday as Taylor Mueller made his 200th career appearance for the Charleston Battery against Louisville City FC.

The Sammamish, Washington native played high school soccer at Eastlake High School before committing to the University of Washington in 2007. Mueller wasted no time in establishing himself as a key defender for the Huskies, starting sixteen matches during his twenty total appearances as a true freshman. Mueller featured in seven of the teams eight shutouts that season earning the team three points with his first career goal against Gonzaga.

Mueller shined in his final three seasons with the University of Washington earning Second-Team All-Pac-10 (Sophomore, Junior, Senior), Third-Team NSCAA All-Far West Region (Junior), and was named defensive MVP during his senior season. Mueller was named captain for his senior season, starting in seventeen matches, and leading the Huskies to nine shutouts in 2017. The defender made 72 appearances for the UW, starting in 67 matches over his four-year career.

Mueller joined the Charleston Battery at the beginning of the 2012 USL Pro Season after spending time with the Washington Crossfire of the Premier Development League. Taylor made his professional debut for the club on April 7th against the Richmond Kickers, coming on as a substitute in a 2-1 win. Mueller was named captain in 2016 and led the team to its eleventh straight playoff berth in 2018. In his eighth season with the Battery Mueller continues to perform at a high level leading the club in clearances (87) and blocked shots (19).

“It’s a fantastic accomplishment,” said Mike Anhaeuser who has coached Mueller since his arrival in 2012. “He’s been an absolutely tremendous asset to this club on and off the field. He’s a true professional and anybody’s who been in contact with Taylor knows he plays the game 100 percent and anything he does off the field is 100 percent. It’s been an honor to coach him and it’s been an honor to have him on our team.”

The Charleston Battery came up short against defending USL Championship winners, Louisville City FC, on a night where captain Taylor Mueller celebrated his 200th appearance for the club.

For the second consecutive week, the Battery opened the match as the more aggressive side, creating early opportunities to open the scoring. In the 2nd minute of play, Jarad van Schaik pounced on a loose ball after Louisville City midfielder Sunny Jane lost his footing on the slick surface. Van Schaik moved the ball up the left side of the pitch, finding Dante Marini who sent in a great ball towards Arthur Bosua. Bosua found space between two Louisville defenders but his header was just off the mark.

Ataulla Guerra capitalized on his first-half attempt scoring his first goal at MUSC Health Stadium this season. After a bit of defensive work, Jay Bolt launched a long ball into Louisville’s defensive half looking for the Trinidad international. Jane misread the direction and speed of Bolt’s clearing pass and Guerra sidestepped the midfielder putting himself through on goal. Guerra made no mistake on his one on one with Chris Hubbard putting the Battery up 1-0.

Unfortunately, Guerra was forced off after picking up a slight injury in the 17th minute and Zeiko Lewis came on to replace the forward after missing Wednesday’s match with Loudoun United. Things started to unravel for the Battery in the 29th minute after Antoine Hoppenot was tackled in the box by Leland Archer. Magnus Rasmussen, who scored a penalty in the teams match at Slugger Field on June 1st, converted from the spot to bring things level for the visitors. Van Schaik had a late first-half chance, a free-kick from about twenty yards out, but his shot was just high and wide.

Louisville elected to make early second-half substitutions bringing on George Davis IV and Luke Spencer. The duo would link up for City’s second goal, the eventual match-winner. Napo Matsoso forced a turnover out of Lewis and the ball found it’s way to Spencer’s feet. Spencer slipped a pass between the Battery defense and found Davis who beat Kuzminsky high at the near post on an off-balanced shot. Davis’ 88th-minute goal left the Battery with minutes to find an equalizer, and the Black and Yellow were unable to do so.

Taylor Mueller made his 200th appearance for the club Saturday night after joining the team before the start of the 2012 season. In his eighth season with the club, Mueller reflected on his career with the Battery during his postgame interview. “It’s pretty wild,” Mueller said. “You don’t really think about it until it’s in front of your face. Dusty is out here saying that I’m going to catch him pretty soon, and that’s scary because he was my first ever club coach back in Seattle.”

The Battery are back on the road next Saturday for their August 24th match against Nashville SC. Charleston defeated Nashville earlier this season while also eliminating them from the U.S. Open Cup. 

BOX SCORE

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Bolt, Mueller, Archer, van Schaik, Marini (Daley 68′), Anunga (YC 41), Kelly (Svantesson 89′), Rittmeyer, Guerra (goal 7′, Lewis 17′), Bosua

Substitutes:

LOUISVILLE: Hubbard, Totsch (YC 13′), Craig, Rasmussen (pen 30′, YC 81′), McCabe, Jane (Davis IV 58′, goal 88′), Thiam (Spencer 58′), McMahon (YC 74′), Jimenez, Hoppenot (Matsoso 84′), Williams (YC 67′)

Substitutes: Dobrowolski, Francis, Watts, Souahy, Matsoso, Davis IV, Spencer

The Battery play host to Louisville City FC Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium at 7:30 PM. Charleston are fresh off a midweek road win over Loudoun United while Louisville took care of business against Atlanta United 2 last Sunday. Louisville beat Charleston 4-1 on June 1st at Louisville Slugger Field.

George Davis IV got things started for Louisville in the 3rd minute of play. Lucky Mkosana was on the receiving end of a Niall McCabe cross and, with a brilliant backheel, found Davis in the middle of the box. Joe Kuzminsky was able to get a slight touch on the shot but couldn’t parry away Davis’ attempt.

Kierron Mason picked up a straight red card in the 19th minute, pulling Mkosana down in the penalty area after the Louisville forward forced Mason into a turnover. Magnus Rasmussen converted on the penalty to make it 2-0 in favor of Louisville.

Arthur Bosua got Charleston back in the match five minutes after the start of the second half. Vincenzo Candela provided a quality cross and Bosua rose above the Louisville defense to head home past Benjamin Lundt. Louisville secured the win after a Dante Marini own goal and a well-placed free-kick from McCabe. It was a chippy finish to the match which saw two Louisville red cards given in the final eleven minutes.

For Charleston, Saturday’s outing is all about redemption. The Battery fell 0-5 to the Tampa Bay Rowdies in their last match at MUSC Health Stadium. Despite the loss to Tampa Bay, the Black and Yellow remain a strong side at home, playing to a season record of 4-1-6 with a +2 goal differential. The Battery finish out the final two weeks of August on the road traveling to Nashville and Charlotte. Charleston picked up wins against both teams at home earlier this season scoring a combined five while only allowing one.

Oscar Jimenez pulls the strings for Louisville leading the team in assists (3) and leading the USL Championship in chances created (77). A combination of Tah Brian Anunga, Vincezo Candela, and Angelo Kelly will look to keep Jimenez in check and could be the key to securing three points for the Battery. Anunga leads the team in tackles and tackles won (49, 34) and Candela sits third (37, 23).

Out of Luck(y) – Louisville are without Lucky Mkosana who was directly involved with City’s first two goals in Charleston’s 2019 trip to Louisville Slugger Field. Mkosana is now with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and torched the Battery scoring two goals at MUSC Health Stadium on August 3rd. A lot has changed for Charleston since their last match against Louisville. Ataulla Guerra is back in the side, Jay Bolt has recovered from his knee injury/surgery, and Taylor Mueller will lead the team after missing the June 1st match.

Captain “200” – Speaking of Mueller, the defender is set to make his 200th career appearance tomorrow night against Louisville. Mueller currently sits 3rd all-time in club appearances only behind John Wilson (269) and Dusty Hudock (281). In his eighth season, Mueller continues to be a rock for the Battery defense, ranking first in clearances (85) and blocked shots (16). Mueller made his first offensive contribution of the season Wednesday night against Loudoun United, heading home a corner in the 21st minute to get things started for the Battery in a 1-2 win.

The Charleston Battery took three points in a 1-2 win against Loudoun United at Segra Field on Wednesday night.

It was a strong start for the Battery as they controlled much of the possession and attacking play. Less than a minute into the match, Ataulla Guerra stepped in front of a poor Loudoun pass and looked the way of Romario Piggott who made a late run towards the top of the box. Piggott was met by the Loudoun defense and his attempt was blocked away. Guerra had his fair share of chances in the first half getting onto the end of a Piggott cross four minutes in. Kotaro Higashi played a brilliant ball down the right side finding Piggott making a streaking run. Piggott’s ball in found Guerra in stride but the forward couldn’t control and his attempt was off the mark.

Charleston’s first-half efforts wouldn’t go without reward. Captain Taylor Mueller scored his first goal of the season in the 21st minute after a succession of quick Battery corners. Piggott delivered a well-placed cross at the near post and Mueller flicked a header past Chris Seitz. Mueller and the Battery backline finished out a strong forty-five minutes, allowing just one shot on target. Former Battery forward, Gordan Wild, was the most dangerous player for Loudoun in the first half and his 37th-minute free-kick was saved by Phil Breno; his first in the USL Championship.

Loudoun kicked off the second half controlling the majority of possession but came up empty on their attempts. Dante Marini and Higashi combined for the Battery’s second of the night in what proved to be an important goal. Higashi brought the ball into the attacking third and found Marini up in support down the left side. Marini made a lengthy run into the box, finishing with a low shot, beating Seitz at the back post.

Loudoun would pull one back in the 78th minute courtesy of substitute Orlando Sinclair. Griffin Yow bought a bit of space in the Charleston box and chipped a pass across the face of goal. Phil Breno made a play on the ball but spilled it right to the forehead of Sinclair who had an easy tap in. Breno, who made his first USL Championship start of the season, made three saves in the win. It was a wild finish as Loudoun looked to net the equalizing goal in the final seconds of stoppage time. The Battery blocked two shots from inside the box before Breno fell on the final shot. 

The Battery are back home this Saturday as they take on Louisville City FC. Louisville defeated Charleston by a score of 4-1 at Louisville Slugger Field earlier this season. Tickets are available for purchase here or by calling (843) 971-GOAL.

BOX SCORE

LOUDOUN: Sietz, Dambrot, Presley, Pines (Cerritos 58′), Verfurth, Murphy (Alvarez 46′), Garay, Yow, Bustamante, Wild, Murphy (Sinclair 65′, goal 78′)

Substitutes: Brown, Lubahn, Saravia, Alvarez, Cerritos, Sinclair, Sorto

CHARLESTON: Breno, Nelson (Woodbine 72′, YC 90+1), Paterson, Mueller (goal 21′), van Schaik (YC 29′), Kelly, Piggott (Rittmeyer 82′), Anunga, Guerra (Daley 63′), Marini (goal 61′), Higashi

Substitutes: Kuzminsky, Bolt, Woodbine, Rittmeyer, Svantesson, Bosua, Daley

The Charleston Battery are up in Leesburg, Virginia for their midweek clash with Loudoun United. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides as Loudoun United play in their inaugural season in the USL Championship.

Loudoun United went back and forth with Charlotte in a 3-3 draw last Friday night. All six goals were scored in a span of forty-one minutes beginning in the 38th minute when Valentin Sabella put the Independence up 0-1. Harri Hawkins would grab a late first-half goal to level the scoring at 1-1 going into the break. Jorge Herrera and Antonio Bustamante traded the teams second goals and Dominic Oduro put Charlotte up 2-3 in the 70th minute. Carlos Alvarez scored his first goal of the season to end the high scoring affair, earning a point for his Loudoun side in the 79th minute.

Jarad can Schaik scored his third goal of the season against St. Louis but Sam Fink’s penalty kept Charleston from earning what would have been an important road win. Van Schaik’s acrobatic goal came in the 37th minute following a short corner and a cross into the box from Zeiko Lewis. The ball arrived in a crowded penalty area and took a favorable bounce near Van Schaik. With his back to goal van Schaik curled in a beauty beating goalkeeper Tomas Gomez. Russell Cicerone drew a penalty after a foul in the box from Tah Brian Anunga in the 67th minute and Fink converted on the attempt for his fifth goal of the season.

Feast or Famine – Loudoun United can be very dangerous in the attacking third, scoring three goals in six matches this season. Loudoun United can also struggle mightily in the attacking third, going scoreless in six matches this season. Which Loudoun United side will show up for tonight’s match against the Battery? Manager Ryan Martin will be hoping for the dangerous Loudoun as the team currently sits 14th in the Eastern Conference table, just six points off the final playoff spot occupied by a surging Birmingham Legion side.

In matches where Loudoun have hit the three-goal mark, they have picked up 14 of their total 20 points with a +8 goal differential, with quality wins over New York Red Bulls II and Louisville City. As you might expect, Loudoun have only managed 1 point out of their matches where they have failed to score, finishing with a -10 goal differential.

A Quick-Start – It is critically important for the Battery to get out on the front foot tonight against Loudoun United. Charleston have won 6 of 11 matches when opening the scoring and have only lost once. On the flip side, the Battery are winless when conceding first, playing out to a 0-4-4 record in eight matches. That said, Coach Anhaeuser is one of the best in the league at making halftime adjustments. The Black and Yellow have scored 20 of their 27 goals this season in the second half with 8 of those coming between the 71st and 80th minutes.

Thirteen points separate 8th place Ottawa from 14th place Loudoun as we move towards the business end of the season. Loudoun and Charleston have played the least amount of games of those teams sitting 8th – 14th with 19 games and 20 games respectively. Both teams will look at tonight’s match hoping to strengthen their playoff positioning. A victory for Loudoun will mean moving closer to the 10th spot while three points for Charleston adds a bit of a cushion between those teams coming up the bottom of the table.

Beginning on August 17th the USL, will launch their “Supporters Week” marketing campaign designed to highlight and feature the various supporter and fan groups across the league. The Battery will be getting in on the Supporters Week action with social overhauls, fan stories and videos, and fan-generated content including a “Twitter Takeover” by the Regiment on August 17th.

Fans will also have the ability to vote on the following in-game/stadium activations including;

Player Hair Color (color subject to player approval)

Pre-game Music Playlists

and our Featured Drink of the Night

Man of the Match (Twitter polling during the Louisville City game)

Voting is OPEN so get your votes in below!

For those with a creative eye, we are opening a Battery t-shirt design contest that will run through the end of Supporters Week (August 24th). Submit your Battery t-shirt design for a chance to see your work of art come to life next season in the Battery pro shop! Email all designs to Kristin Rockhill at kristin.rockhill@https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com, submissions will close on the 23rd and voting will be open for one day on the 24th. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the designer’s charity of choice!

The Charleston Battery split points with Saint Louis FC in a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at West Community Stadium. Sam Fink converted on a 68th-minute penalty after Jarad van Schaik gave Charleston a first-half lead.

It looked as if the two sides were in for another scoreless draw as chance after chance went begging for both teams. St. Louis were the better team early lead by Russell Cicerone. Cicerone linked up with Lewis Hilton and Kyle Greig in a  flurry of quick passes just outside the Charleston box but Hiltons shot was weak and straight to Joe Kuzminsky.

Zeiko Lewis came close four minutes later after a tight angle shot missed the St. Louis’ back post by a mere few feet. O’Brian Woodbine played the final pass into Lewis and the Bermuda international did well to challenge Tomas Gomez.

Jarad van Schaik, who played in an outside midfield role, showed his athleticism with an off-balance curler from a few yards out. Lewis played a short corner to Woodbine who let Lewis come back into the play before finding the crafty playmaker near the goal line. Lewis’ cross found its way into a congested area and van Schaik was able to control his shot past Tomas Gomez at the far post. 

Things started to unravel for Charleston in the 67th minute when St. Louis was awarded a penalty. Tah Brian Anunga made light contact with Russell Cicerone in the box, and the official pointed to the spot. Fink, who has been clinical in converting from the spot this season, buried his attempt in the lower right corner of the net.

Six Charleston Battery players were in the book in the contest including Leland Archer who picked up a straight red card in the 81st minute. The Battery held firm over the final ten minutes of the match earning a point in a difficult road trip to St. Louis. Charleston returns home on August 17th but will first face Loudoun United for the first time in a midweek showdown. Tickets for Saturday nights match can be purchased here or by calling (843) 971-GOAL.

BOX SCORE:

ST. LOUIS: Gomez, Bahner, Fewo (YC 88), Fink (Pen 68), Kavita, Hilton, Vlastos (Fernandez), Reynolds, Greig (Calvert), Dacres, Cicerone (Kacher)

Substitutes: Fenlason, Gee, Fernandez, Kacher, Calvert

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Woodbine (YC 81), Mueller, Archer (RC 80), Bolt, van Schaik (goal 37, YC 81), Anunga (YC 67), Candela (YC 3), Rittmeyer, Lewis (Marini 79), Svantesson (YC 63, Bosua 66)

Substitutes: Breno, Piggott, Kelly, Bosua, Marini, Higashi, Daley