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Blackbaud Nonprofit of the Match – SEALKIDS

This week’s Blackbaud Nonprofit of the Match is SEALKIDS, an organization which prides itself on being the only nonprofit in the world solely dedicated to supporting children of the Navy Seal community.

Since its inception, SEALKIDS has grown and developed to the point where the organization is equipped to serve all needs of children of the Naval Special Warfare community whether they be academic, therapeutic, experiential, or social. SEALKIDS began as an organization focused on providing educational assistance to children of NSW, but have since grown tremendously and are now equipped to serve the needs of the whole child.

While SEALKIDS’ programs are customized to fit the needs of each child, they are all focused on developing confidence. The organization believes makes a connection between performing well in school and confidence level and believes that confidence is the basis of success moving forward in life.

SEALKIDS’ impact is measured beyond the individual child. The organization works to reduce the stress long deployments can have on families SEALs leave behind. By helping children of NSW deal with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, SEALKIDS helps ease the stress placed on the family. The programs also give SEALs peace of mind while they are defending our country, knowing their children are being supported in their absence.

There are many ways to get involved with and support this week’s Nonprofit of the Match:

Follow them on social media → @SEALKIDS

Volunteer

Donate

Host a fundraiser

Become a corporate partner

The Charleston Battery will wear special digital camo jerseys Saturday night. All fans can bid on the game-worn jerseys at bidr.co/events/camo. Proceeds will be donated to SEALKIDS to help support their mission. Bidding is open now and closes at 8:30 PM on May 13th.

Battery beat Steel, remain at top of the table

Ataulla Guerra’s goal was the difference in the Charleston Battery’s 1-0 win over Bethlehem Steel FC Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium.

The game’s only goal came early on in the first half. Quinton Griffith made a blinding run down the right flank and served a dangerous ball into the box. Heviel Cordoves flicked the ball on and Guerra tapped it in at the back post.

Charleston’s defense played perhaps its best game of the season, earning their second shutout and first since week two against Charlotte Independence. The back four and goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper limited Bethlehem’s chances. The visitor’s most dangerous scoring opportunities came from dead ball situations, which the Battery defense dealt with fairly easily.

“We’ll take the shutout and get back to work this week and try to settle things down a bit,” said Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser. “Three points are the biggest thing right now, so we’re happy.”

The win keeps Charleston at the top of the Eastern Conference table, two points clear of Tampa Bay Rowdies with a game in hand. The Battery will finish out their three game home stretch next Saturday against Saint Louis FC.

CHARLESTON – Odisnel Cooper, Quinton Griffith, Taylor Mueller, Forrest Lasso, O’Brian Woodbine, Maikel Chang (Kotaro Higashi 56), Justin Portillo, Neveal Hackshaw (yellow card, 22; Tah Brian Anunga, 75), Dante Marini, Ataulla Guerra (goal, 18), Heviel Cordoves (assist, 18; yellow card, 69; Skylar Thomas, 87)

Unused substitutes: Joe Kuzminsky, Nico Rittmeyer, Ricky Garbanzo, Jeffery Otoo

BETHLEHEM – Jake McGuire, Mark McKenzie, Austen Trusty (yellow card, 55), Hugh Roberts, Aaron Jones, James Chambers, Cory Burke, Adam Najem, Chris Wingate, Marcus Epps (Chris Nanco, 67), Seko Conneh

Unused substitutes – Tomas Romero, Matt Mahoney, Matt Real, Santi Moar, Josh Heard, Yosef Sammuel

Blackbaud Nonprofit of the Match – Keeper of the Wild

The Blackbaud Nonprofit of the Match for this weekend’s game against Bethlehem Steel FC is Keeper of the Wild. The organization focuses on caring for sick, injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife with the intention of returning them to appropriate habitats in the wild.

Keeper of the Wild has helped rehabilitate animals in the Charleston area since 2001. In addition to their efforts to care for animals in need, the organization works to increase public awareness of the danger that threatens wildlife in South Carolina through education programs and presentations at schools and community events.

Founder, director, and president Janet Kisner has personally rescued, rehabilitated and relocated thousands of animals. It was Kisner who helped get Keeper of the Wild off the ground, and it is her vision that continues to drive the organization today. Kisner has made herself and her home a haven for wild animals that have nowhere to go.

Keeper of the Wild relies heavily on public support raised through a variety of fundraising events. The organization works to increase public awareness of the danger that threatens wildlife in South Carolina through education programs and presentations at schools and community events.

In addition to this, Janet and our Education Director, Debbie Hill, also increase public awareness of the plight of South Carolina’s wildlife through education programs, (Preserving and Protecting Natural Wildlife and Living in Peace with Wildlife), which they present at schools and other community organizations.

Keeper of the Wild graciously accepts donations of any kind. To donate to, please visit keeperofthewild.org or the organization’s Go Fund Me page. Donations can also be made via check or money order.

Romario Williams named to USL Team of the Week

Romario Williams was named to the USL Team of the Week for week four following his seven point performance against Rochester Rhinos Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium.

Williams scored a hat-trick in 12 minutes and added an assist in the first half of Saturday’s match. The hat-trick was the Battery’s first since Dane Kelly’s against Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2014.

Williams’ stellar performance helped Charleston to their first win over the Rhinos since 2014. The 5-0 result was also the team’s first win by that scoreline since the ’90s.

Unfortunately Williams’ efforts against Rochester were slightly over-shadowed by Djiby Fall’s four-goal game against Saint Louis FC. Cincinnati’s Fall scored the team’s first ever hat-trick and added a fourth on his way to earning USL Player of the Week.

The Charleston Battery have had a representative on the USL Team of the Week for three of the four weeks this season. Williams’ fellow countryman O’brian Woodbine was named to the bench in this week’s team.

Williams, Woodbine, and the rest of the squad will look to continue their good form this weekend on the road in Tampa. Kickoff against the Rowdies is scheduled for 7:30pm. Fans can watch the match on https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com or My TV Charleston.

Battery, Fleet reach affiliation agreement

In it’s 25th year in the Lowcountry, the Charleston Battery have partnered with the Charleston Fleet of the Women’s Premier Soccer League for the 2017 season, the Club announced Monday morning.

The two sides executed a mutually beneficial affiliation agreement in advance of the the Fleet’s first season beginning next month. The Fleet will compete in the Carolinas region of the WPSL, featuring teams from Charlotte, Lake Norman, Beaufort, Greensboro, and Raleigh.

“This partnership with the Fleet is another important piece of what we’re building here at the Charleston Battery,” said Chief Operating Officer Mike Kelleher. “The addition of a high-level women’s soccer team to the Charleston sports landscape speaks volumes about the growth of the game in our community and partnering with a women’s Club helps us reach new fans in the area. We’ve been the focal point for soccer in Charleston for 25 years now, so to be a part of the Fleet’s first season is very exciting.”

The women’s side will open its season on June 3rd at MUSC Health Stadium prior to the Battery’s match against Louisville City FC at 7:00 PM. The doubleheader will be part of the Battery’s 25th anniversary celebration taking place that day which also includes a watch party for the Champions League Final in the Three Lions Pub and on the 3,000 square foot video board in the stadium.

“We are very excited to be affiliated with the Charleston Battery,” said Fleet General Manager and Head Coach Sarah Michner. “The Battery have been impacting the Charleston community through the game of soccer for 25 years now. We are thrilled they want to help grow the Women’s game with us and we look forward to working together.”

To honor the Battery’s inaugural season in 1993, the Club will offer $9.30 tickets on June 3rd. One ticket grants admission into the watch party and both the Fleet and Battery matches. In addition, the Battery will be serving $2 beers all night.

Following the doubleheader launching the partnership, the two Clubs will continue to support each other throughout the 2017 season with the goal of further developing the soccer in the Charleston community.

The Fleet join Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, three PDL clubs, and eight youth clubs as the Battery’s 2017 affiliates.

‘93 Night at MUSC Health Stadium
Saturday, June 3rd – BUY TICKETS NOW
Champions League Final in the Three Lions Pub – 2:45 PM (The CL Final will be played on the video board in the stadium until the kickoff of the WPSL game)
Charleston Fleet vs. Carolina Rapids – 4:00 PM
Charleston Battery vs. Louisville City FC – 7:00 PM

Williams' brace rescues a point for the Battery

Romario Williams scored both goals for the Battery in the team’s 2-2 draw with Ottawa Fury FC at MUSC Health Stadium Saturday night. The team battled back from behind twice to earn a point in the first of three consecutive home matches.

“Anytime you don’t get three points at home, you’re going to be a bit disappointed,” said Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser. “Our guys showed tremendous grit and character tonight to battle back from behind twice, so I’m happy with the performance. It’s a bit unlucky, but it’s not a negative result.”

Ottawa struck first in the match on what felt like a midsummer night in May. Jamar Dixon earned a free kick at the top of the Battery’s box following a partially cleared corner kick. Ryan Williams converted from the dead ball situation, curling a shot past Odisnel Cooper.

The Battery responded immediately and put the Ottawa back four under constant pressure after the opening goal, but didn’t find an equalizer until twenty minutes later when Maikel Chang played a cross into Williams in the Fury’s penalty area. Williams controlled the pass and smashed a shot in at the near post to level the score at one just before the halftime break.

Ottawa edged out in front again in the 56th minute through another set piece. Ramon Martin Del Campo nodded a Ryan Williams corner kick in from about eight yards to push the Canadian side into the lead for the second time in the match.

Charleston created several quality scoring chances as they searched for the second equalizer of the night. The tying goal eventually came when Chang and Williams connected for the second time in the match in the 84th minute.

The Battery put together a brilliant counterattack beginning with an Heviel Cordoves slip header that sprung Chang free down the right flank. Chang took a driving touch forward and curled a pinpoint pass into Williams’ path who tapped it in at the back post.

“Tonight, I just tried to make runs into the box,” said Williams after the match. “I know the quality that Mike (Chang) possesses on both feet, so I just try to get myself in there so he could pick me out and tonight he delivered two beautiful passes and I was able to finish them off.”

Charleston still sit atop the Eastern Conference table following the draw with Ottawa. The Battery continue a three-game home stretch next week with a match against Bethlehem Steel FC at MUSC Health Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM on May 6th; dollar beers will be served throughout the night.

CHARLESTON – Odisnel Cooper, Quinton Griffith, Taylor Mueller, Forrest Lasso, O’Brian Woodbine (Skylar Thomas, 87), Maikel Chang (assist, 42), Justin Portillo, Tah Brian Anunga (Heviel Cordoves, 71), Kotaro Higashi (Dante Marini, 71), Ataulla Guerra, Romario Williams (goal; 42, 84)

Unused substitutes – Joe Kuzminsky, Ricky Garbanzo, Jeffery Otoo, Neveal Hackshaw

OTTAWA – Callum Irving, Eddie Edward, Ramon Martin Del Campo (goal, 56), Shane McEleney, Ryan Williams (goal, 22; assist, 56), Sito Seoane (Sergio Manesio, 69), Jamar Dixon, Jonathan Barden, Tucker Hume (Steevan Dos Santos, 80) Aron Mkungilwa

Unused substitutes- David Paulmin, Kyle Venter, Thomas Meilleur-Giguere, Jimmy Sanon

Blackbaud Nonprofit of the Match – Children's Hospital Fund

After almost 30 years in its current location, MUSC Children’s Hospital is preparing for a new phase of life in a new home and with a new name: the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

Located in downtown Charleston, the new hospital is being designed and built to meet the special needs of children, where they can feel safe, protected and surrounded by loved ones and the best doctors and nurses anywhere.

When it opens in 2019, there will be nothing like it in South Carolina:

-More beds

-Larger, private rooms

-The state’s largest neonatal intensive care unit

-An entire floor dedicated to the care of children with cancer

-The state’s only comprehensive children’s heart center

-Child-Life playrooms on every patient floor

-And so much more.

When it comes to children’s health, only the best will do. And with your help, that’s exactly what we’re going to build: The best.

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital: Imagine what’s possible.

To learn more please visit imagine.musckids.org.

About the Campaign for the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital

Named in honor of Charleston-based BenefitFocus’ co-founder and CEO, MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital will replace the 28-year-old MUSC Children’s Hospital currently located on Ashley Avenue, providing much needed space for the thousands of patients and families served by MUSC each year. The new facility will provide more spacious, family-centered amenities and expanded services, including an expanded neonatal intensive care unit, an entire floor dedicated to the care of children with cancer, and the most comprehensive pediatric heart center in South Carolina. The Campaign for the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital launched publicly in February 2015 and is co-chaired by entertainer Darius Rucker and his wife, Beth, both of whom are members of the MUSC Children’s Hospital Fund Advisory Board. In May 2015, Mr. Jenkins, in consultation with his family, made a $25 million commitment to the campaign, and Medical University’s Board of Trustees subsequently voted to name the new hospital in his honor. The Medical University expects to break ground in 2016 and open the doors to the new hospital in 2019 on the corner of Calhoun Street and Courtenay Drive.

Tah Brian Anunga named to USL Team of the Week

Charleston Battery midfielder Tah Brian Anunga was named to the USL Team of the Week following his performance in the team’s win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies in week five.

Anunga made his second consecutive start last weekend against Tampa after being used as a substitute in the team’s first three matches this season. The midfielder scored his first goal ever for the club in the 89th minute, lifting the Battery to three points and handing the Rowdies their first loss at home.

Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser has used Anunga deep in midfield alongside Justin Portillo, creating a balance of defensive and playmaking ability in the center of the park. Anunga routinely broke up play and successfully found outlet passes Saturday night against Tampa, which helped Charleston start counterattacks.

Maikel Chang joined Anunga on the Team of the Week as a reserve after scoring his second goal in as many games in week five. Chang scored Charleston’s second goal at the stroke of halftime in the 3-2 win over the Rowdies. The Cuban midfielder received a pass from Quinton Griffith, turned, and curled a left-footed shot into the back post to send Charleston into the break with a 2-1 lead. Chang’s goal is up for USL Goal of the Week, click here to vote!

Charleston’s victory in Tampa moved the team to first place in the Eastern Conference. The Battery will take on Ottawa Fury FC at MUSC Health Stadium this Saturday at 7:00 PM. The match will be followed by fireworks on the field with the team. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com

Late goal lifts Battery over Rowdies in five-goal thriller

Tah Brian Anunga’s 89th minute goal was the difference Saturday night as the Charleston Battery defeated the Tampa Bay Rowdies, 3-2, at Al Lang Stadium.

For the second straight game, Charleston showed its offensive prowess, finding the back of the net three times against a team that hadn’t conceded at home yet this season. Goals from Anunga, Forrest Lasso, and Maikel Chang helped the Battery knock off the first-place Rowdies and jump to the top of the USL Eastern Conference.

The Rowdies opened the scoring in the 34th minute when Georgi Hristov found Joe Cole with a clever pass inside the six yard box. The former English international saw his first shot saved, but finished the rebound to put the home side in front.

Charleston answered six minutes later through the now-familiar set piece duo of Justin Portillo and Forrest Lasso. Portillo swung a dangerous free kick into the space between the penalty spot and the six yard box and Lasso rose up and flicked a header into the back post. The goal marks the third time Portillo and Lasso have converted from dead ball situations this season.

Maikel Chang scored at the stroke of halftime to give the Battery their first lead of the match. The Cuban midfielder received a pass from Quinton Griffith, turned, and ran at the Rowdies back four before curling a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Matt Pickens. Chang’s second goal in as many games sent the Battery into the break with a one-goal advantage.

The two teams came out of the locker rooms unchanged and traded chances and possession fairly evenly for the first fifteen minutes of the second half.

Tampa equalized in the 62nd minute when Georgi Hristov tapped in a spilled free kick. Leo Fernandes served a long ball into the box and Odisnel Cooper couldn’t hang on, leaving it for Hristov to tap into the empty net.

The game was end-to-end following the Rowdies’ equalizer, with both teams pushing for the go-ahead goal. Both sides had chances to win the match, but it was the Battery who took advantage of their final scoring opportunity of the night.

The goal came following a long service into the box from the right side of the field. After Chang’s delivery, the ball pinged around the Rowdies’ penalty area, with the defenders unable to scramble it clear. Eventually Anunga found the ball and hammered it into the back of the net, scoring his first ever goal for the Club.

The win in Tampa moves the Battery to the top of the Eastern Conference table with 12 points after five matches played. Charleston will look to keep the winning run going when the team returns home next Saturday for another match against a former NASL side. The Battery will take on Ottawa Fury FC at 7:00pm at MUSC Health Stadium. The match will be followed by fireworks on the field with the team. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com.

CHARLESTON – Odisnel Cooper, Quinton Griffith, Taylor Mueller, Forrest Lasso (goal, 40), O’brian Woodbine (yellow card, 62), Maikel Chang (goal, 45), Justin Portillo (assist, 40), Tah Brian Anunga (goal, 89), Kotaro Higashi (Dante Marini, 70), Ataulla Guerra (Neveal Hackshaw, 88), Romario Williams (yellow card, 36; Heviel Cordoves, 69)

Unused substitutes: Joe Kuzminksy, Skylar Thomas, Ricky Garbanzo, Nico Rittmeyer

TAMPA – Matt Pickens, Kyle Porter (Deshorn Brown, 66), Damion Lowe, Neil Collins, Luke Boden, Martin Vingaard, Marcel Schafer, Alex Morrell (Leo Fernandes, 56), Joe Cole (goal, 34; Martin Paterson, 80; yellow card 89), Darwin Jones, Georgi Hristov (goal, 62)

Unused substitutes: Akira Fitzgerald, Darnell King, Justin Chavez, Michael Nanchoff

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