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The Battery take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, September 14th at 7:00 PM. It will be Charleston’s second match in four days, both of which have been away.

Late game heroics from Zeiko Lewis and Nicque Daley earned the Battery a point against Pittsburgh on May 4th in a 2-2 draw at MUSC Health Stadium. Kevin Kerr and Kenardo Forbes put two past the Battery in the opening quarter-hour of the match and a strong Riverhounds defense kept the Battery at bay through the first half. Daley would draw a penalty in the 75th minute to begin the late comeback and Lewis converted on the ensuing penalty to cut the lead. Daley scored his first goal in a Battery shirt after a brilliant solo effort in the 81st minute, slipping past three Pittsburgh defenders before beating Kyle Morton with a curling shot from just inside the box.

After a pedestrian start to the season, in which the Riverhounds tied seven of their first eleven matches, Pittsburgh have found a way to win games in the second half of the season. Pittsburgh have won seven of their last nine and are one of three teams that still boast an undefeated home record (Indy Eleven and Phoenix Rising). The Riverhounds have shown that they are one of the most well-balanced teams in the league combining consistent attacking play with dominant defensive performances. Upfront, Neco Brett leads the line with 10 goals while fellow forward Steevan Dos Santos is closing in on double-digit goals for the second time in his USL Championship career. In the back, Joe Greenspan anchors a backline that has produced eleven clean sheets.   

Joe Kuzminsky has been one of the hottest goalkeepers in the USL Championship in recent weeks picking up his sixth clean sheet of the season in the Battery’s 0-0 draw with Swope Park on Wednesday night. Kuzminsky has led the Black and Yellow to three consecutive shutouts and has made 15 saves over the course of that span. He’s beginning to regain his 2018 form which saw him finish with twelve clean sheets and a 74.7% save success rate. Kuzminsky has eclipsed his save total from last season and a strong final eight games will be crucial to the Battery’s postseason aspirations. 

Playoff Watch – The Birmingham Legion play host to Saint Louis FC Friday night and the Battery will be watching this one closely. Depending on tonight’s result, Charleston has the chance to jump both teams and into 9th place.

Birmingham wins – A Legion win would move them ahead of Ottawa in the Eastern Conference table and prevent Charleston from being able to claim the 9th spot this weekend. However, a win for Birmingham would allow the Battery to split points with the Riverhounds on Saturday night and move into the 10th spot ahead of Saint Louis. 

Saint Louis wins – Saint Louis would jump Birmingham and put themselves one point behind Ottawa for the 8th spot. With this result, the Battery would need to take three points against Pittsburgh tomorrow night.

Birmingham and Saint Louis draw – This is what Charleston will be hoping for Friday night, as a win would see the Black and Yellow go above both teams into 9th place. A draw against Pittsburgh would keep the Battery level on points with Saint Louis while a loss would put them one point shy of the final spot.

Pittsburgh continues to battle with Nashville SC for the final home playoff spot. The Riverhounds are three points back of Nashville but have two games in hand heading into Saturday night’s match with the Battery. Nashville are off this weekend and host Birmingham on September 17th, giving Pittsburgh a chance to move ahead of Nashville with a win on Saturday. The two teams square off on September 21st which would have major playoff implications.

The match will be broadcast on MyTVCharleston and streamed live on ESPN+. The Battery return home on September 22nd as they take on local state rivals North Carolina FC at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling (843) 971-GOAL.

The Charleston Battery played to a 0-0 draw against Swope Park Rangers at Children’s Mercy Park on Wednesday night. The point brings the Battery level on points with 10th place Saint Louis FC heading into the weekend.

Swope Park looked the more comfortable team in attack during the first half of play creating a few quality chances early on in the match. In-form Swope forward Wilson Harris missed out on a golden chance to put the Rangers up 1-0 in the 3rd minute but was inches off his mark. Aleksander Andrade picked out Wilson in the box with a cross and Harris pushed his attempt header just wide of the right post. Tyler Freeman would have a chance of his own five minutes later but his shot from just outside the box was straight to Joe Kuzminsky who made an easy save.

There were a few nervy moments for the Battery throughout the match with the first coming in the 23rd minute courtesy of Swope’s Freeman. Freeman attacked Angelo Kelly in a one on one down the left sideline before attempting a cross which deflected toward the Battery goal but was eventually cleared by Taylor Mueller. Felipe Hernandez struck the Battery’s left post in the 30th minute after a failed clearance from the Black and Yellow backline. 

Kotaro Higashi had Charleston’s only shot in the first half after breaking free from a couple of Swope defenders and finding space in the box in the 17th minute. Eric Dick did well to make the save and keep Higashi and the Battery from getting out to a 0-1 lead.

The match opened up in the second half with both teams creating a number of dangerous opportunities searching for the opening goal. Ian Svantesson showed his speed and strength after getting down the left sideline and into the box, driving towards the Swope goal line. Svantesson rolled a weak shot towards goal but the ball slipped through the legs of Eric Dick. The Rangers’ goalkeeper was able to recover and pounce on the loose ball before it crossed the line. Romario Piggott looked to make it back to back games with a goal but was denied by Dick in the 55th minute. Piggott led all Battery players with three shots on the evening. 

Kuzminsky made four saves in the draw leading the Battery defense to its third straight shutout. Kuzminsky kept Harris from scoring an early second-half goal with a brilliant save in the 49th minute and parried away a free-kick attempt from Wan Kuzain in the 81st. The third-year keeper now has fifteen saves over his last three starts and a total of six shutouts on the year.

Charleston’s last chance came off the boot of Vincenzo Candela in the 86th minute. Substitute Arthur Bosua did well to pressure Dick who played an errant pass out of the back towards teammate Ayyoub Allach. Allach was unable to control and Zeiko Lewis stepped in to steal possession away from the midfielder. Lewis found Candela making a late run to the top of the eighteen and the midfielder’s shot crashed off the right post and out for a goal kick.

The Charleston Battery are in Pittsburgh on Saturday night to take on the Riverhounds before heading to Atlanta a week from tonight for a makeup match with Atlanta United 2. The Battery return home on September 22nd as they take on North Carolina FC at MUSC Health Stadium at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling (843) 971-GOAL.

BOX SCORE

SWOPE PARK: Dick, Lindsey (YC 74′), Andrade, Rad, Clarke, Allach, Lepley (Segbers 75′), Hernandez, Kuzain, Freeman (Vanacore-Decker 69′), Harris (Colombie 86′)

Substitutes: Pulskamp, Hooper, Segbers, Stephenson, Akhmatov, Colombie, Vanacore-Decker

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Kelly, Mueller (YC 88′), Archer, van Schaik, Marini, Candela, Anunga, Piggott (Rittmeyer 86′), Svantesson (Bosua 65′), Higashi (Lewis 75′)

Substitutes: Breno, Paterson, Rittmeyer, Guerra, Lewis, Bosua

The Battery square off against Swope Park Rangers on Saturday night at Children’s Mercy Park. Swope Park enters the contest following a 4-0 road loss to Ottawa last week while the Battery took three points against Hartford Athletic in a 3-2 win on July 20th.

Previous Meeting

The teams split points in their previous meeting against Swope on June 22nd. Two second-half goals would see the teams finish 1-1.

Romario Piggott scored his second goal of the season and his second goal in a three-match span to put the Battery up 1-0. Jarad van Schaik played in a low pass from the right side, looking to pick out Kotaro Higashi who was making a strong run into the box. Swope defender Camden Riley was able to get the slightest of touches on van Schaik’s pass and the resulting deflection left the ball in the path of Piggott.

Swope Park’s leading goalscorer, Felipe Hernandez, pulled his team level in the 82nd minute. After receiving a pass on the left edge of the penalty area Hernandez curled in a beauty, slipping his shot past Nico Rittmeyer and Leland Archer, and beating Joe Kuzminsky off the far post.

Ian Svantesson and Adrian Zendejas were both sent off in the final minute of the match; Svantesson picking up a straight red card and Zendejas receiving his second yellow.

What to Watch For

Felipe Hernandez continues to lead the team in scoring (8) and shows no signs of slowing down. Hernandez has scored three goals in five matches which includes his goal against the Battery last month.

While Hernandez has been the focal point of the Swope Park attack, midfielder Alexsander Andrade has been a reliable contributor this season, leading the team in assists (5) and chances created (29). Andrade is one assist shy of being tied for the Eastern Conference lead and pulls the strings in the midfield attempting 1,013 passes and carries an 82.3% completion percentage.

Swope Park sits 16th in the East, two points ahead of Hartford Athletic who occupy the last spot. While Swope has only won three games this season they enter the match having won two of their last four with both victories coming at home.

Ataulla Guerra didn’t disappoint in his 2019 season debut against Hartford, leveling the scoring in the 79th minute. Guerra and the Battery are looking to turn a corner offensively and have been much better in recent weeks. The Battery have scored in each of their last three matches and have scored multiple goals in two of the last three. Zeiko Lewis and Guerra could prove to be one of the most dangerous pairings in the USL Championship in the second half of the season.

The Charleston Battery picked up a big win over Eastern Conference giants, Indy Eleven, in a 1-0 win at MUSC Health Stadium on Sunday night. Charleston cut the gap between themselves and 10th place Saint Louis FC with just one point separating the teams.

The Battery generated a few early chances from free-kick positions but were unable to find an opening goal. Jarad van Schaik had his eye set on goal with two shots in the opening ten minutes of the match. His first came on a free-kick that was blocked by the Indy wall and his second was a rocket from outside of the area that was high and wide of goal.

Joe Kuzminsky, who made six saves in the contest, kept former Battery forward Dane Kelly from opening the scoring in the 15th minute. Macauley King picked out Kelly with a perfectly weighted pass into the box but Kuzminsky came off his line to challenge the shot and parried the danger away. A 32nd-minute collision between Kuzminsky and Taylor Mueller would gift Kelly with a second chance but he couldn’t finish, rolling his shot inches wide of an open net.

Romario Piggot made Indy pay for missing out on quality scoring chances with his third goal of the season in the 41st minute. Piggott, who won a 50/50 challenge in the defensive third, sparked a two on one breakaway with Vincenzo Candela. Piggott initially looked Candela’s direction but defender Kenny Walker took away the passing lane and Piggott elected to have a go beating goalkeeper Evan Newton low at the near post.

A Kyle Nelson red card in the 57th minute forced the Black and Yellow to defend their 1-0 lead with ten men for just over half an hour. The Battery leaned on Kuzminsky who made a number of fine saves down the stretch to keep the Eleven from grabbing an equalizer. Ayoze Garcia went one on one with Angelo Kelly down the left side and whipped in a perfect ball to the leaping Eugene Starikov who connected with the cross but Kuzminsky’s quick reflexes put the Battery goalkeeper in position to make a fingertip save.

It was a chippy finish to the match but the Battery held on to the lead giving them their second shutout in three matches and their first win in their last four. “This is a big game for us,” coach Anhaeuser said after the match. “What we’ve done is put together two shutouts in three games and that’s something we always talk about doing. If they don’t score we can’t lose.”

The Battery travel to Kansas City on Wednesday to take on Swope Park Rangers in what kicks off a three-match road trip. Charleston head to Pittsburgh for a clash with the Riverhounds on September 14th before visiting Atlanta United 2 on September 18th. The Black and Yellow return home on September 22nd against Carolina rivals, North Carolina FC. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling (843) 971-GOAL!

BOX SCORE

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Nelson (YC 26′, YC/RC 57′), Mueller, Archer, van Schaik, Marini, Kelly, Candela, Piggott (goal 41′, Rittmeyer 75′), Higashi (Bosua 86′), Svantesson (Woodbine 82′, YC 90 +2′)

Substitutes: Breno, Woodbine, Mason, Rittmeyer, Bosua, Guerra

INDY: Newton, Hackshaw, Osmond, Ouimette, King, Ayoze, Walker (Watson 45 +1), Gibson, Perea (Gabriel 68′, YC 90 +6), Kelly (Novoa 77′), Starikov

Substitutes: Farr, Barrett, Watson, Diakhate, Ilic, Novoa, Gabriel

The Charleston Battery take on Indy Eleven at MUSC Health Stadium at 6:00 PM. Tonight’s match, which was scheduled to be played yesterday, was postponed due to the effects of Hurricane Dorian which passed through the Carolina’s late Wednesday night through Friday afternoon. It’s the start of a very busy month for the Battery who will play six matches in September, four of which are on the road.

Charleston lost 1-0 in Indy earlier this season with Tyler Pasher scoring the winning goal in the 84th minute after coming on at halftime as a substitute. Pasher leads the Eleven in goals scored (10) and has added two assists on the offensive end. Charleston will be without leading goal scorer Zeiko Lewis as the forward is on international duty with Bermuda. Former Battery forward Dane Kelly returns to MUSC Health Stadium and has scored six goals on the year.

The Battery were scheduled to play Memphis 901 FC on Monday following a postponement of the original match. A mandatory evacuation in the Charleston area forced the match to be rescheduled, once again, and will take place on October 16th. Charleston last played against the Charlotte Independence on August 30th in a 0-0 draw. While a frustrating result, the Battery created a number of scoring chances finishing with 19 shots and holding Charlotte to 5 total attempts (only one in the second half).

Indy have been impressive all season and show no signs of slowing down highlighted by a 1-0 win at home against the New York Red Bulls II. The Eleven are undefeated at home winning nine of thirteen matches at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indy’s defense has played at an elite level this season conceding just 18 goals; good for first in the USL Championship. Evan Newton and the Indy defense have eight shutouts at home but have been far from perfect on the road. Indy have conceded goals in five straight road matches and suffered a bad loss against Hartford Athletic on July 13th.

Playoff Watch – If the season ended today, Charleston would miss out on the 2019 USL Championship playoffs, finishing 11th in the Eastern Conference. Heading into tonight’s match, the Battery find themselves four points behind Saint Louis FC for the final playoff spot in the East. Saint Louis are in fine form having won three straight matches which include a 1-0 win against Eastern Conference heavyweights, Nashville SC, last night. Charleston has a two-game advantage over Saint Louis but will draw even going into next Saturday’s match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. There is plenty of time for the Battery to get back into the thick of it and a win tonight against a strong Indy team would do wonders for the Black and Yellow’s playoff hopes.

Indy have their eyes set on climbing the Eastern Conference ladder after shutting out the high flying New York offense. The Eleven have all but guaranteed themselves a place in the postseason and will focus on maintaining a top-four finish. Indy hold a three-match advantage over New York and Tampa and a four-match advantage over third-place Nashville. Indy host Ottawa Fury FC and Bethlehem Steel FC in back to back home matches on Wednesday and Saturday before playing four straight on the road.

Following conversations with the United Soccer League and Indy Eleven staff, Saturday’s scheduled match between the Charleston Battery and Indy Eleven has been moved to Sunday, September 8th with a scheduled kickoff of 6:00 PM at MUSC Health Stadium.

The decision comes after all sides were able to confirm logistical issues that resulted from the effects of Hurricane Dorian. Tickets purchased for Saturday’s match can be used for Sunday’s game with gates opening at 4:30 PM. Tickets are available for purchase on match day or online.

Heading into the final month of the USL Championship regular season, the Battery are locked in a fierce playoff battle for the final spot in the Eastern Conference. Every match from here on out will mean just a little more as the Battery have their sights set on the USL Championship playoffs. Coming up big in the month of August are a few familiar faces and with good reason.

KOTARO HIGASHI

Higashi leads the Battery in assists (4) after playing provider to Dante Marini in Charleston’s win over Loudoun United on August 14th. Higashi picked out Marini down the left side after drawing the attention of three Loudoun defenders. Higashi was nearly perfect on the night, completing 21 of his 22 pass attempts (95%) and adding one shot to his stat sheet.

Higashi scored his first goal of the season against Nashville SC to put the Battery up 0-1 heading into the break. The Japanese playmaker showcased his quick feet and finishing touch, splitting a pair of Nashville defenders and lifting his shot over goalkeeper Matt Pickens.

DANTE MARINI

Let us know if you’ve heard this before; Dante Marini comes on as a substitute and scores a game-winning goal for the Battery. Well, Marini scored what proved to be another game-winning goal against Loudoun United earning the Black and Yellow three points on the road. This time Marini played the full ninety finishing with two shots, both of which were on target.

Marini made appearances in all six matches in August and started against Loudoun, Louisville, and Charlotte. In the Battery’s most recent match against Charlotte, Marini lead the way in shots (5) and passing accuracy (85.7%). Marini figures to play a major part in the Battery’s late-season playoff push.

TAYLOR MUELLER

Mueller had a busy August playing and starting every match. The defender logged 540 minutes and celebrated a few milestones along the way. The first, his first goal of the 2019 USL Championship season against Loudoun United in a 1-2 win. The second, his 200th career appearance for the Charleston Battery against Louisville City on August 17th. Mueller sits third all-time in appearances for the Charleston Battery just behind John Wilson and Dusty Hudock.

In his most recent match, Mueller anchored a backline in a 0-0 draw against Charlotte Independence. Mueller won possession for the Battery six times and limited the Independence to just five shots on the night (one shot in the second half). Defense has been the Battery’s bread and butter in recent years and the captain will look to lead his team into the postseason.

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Monday evening’s USL Championship contest between the Charleston Battery and Memphis 901 FC has been postponed as a mandatory evacuation warning was issued by the City of Charleston due to the potential arrival of Hurricane Dorian in the next 48 hours. The contest had been rescheduled from July 13 when thunderstorms and lightning in the region prevented the game from being played. USL Championship officials are currently working with the Battery and 901 FC to arrange a new date for the contest. Charleston’s next contest is now scheduled to be against Indy Eleven next Saturday at MUSC Health Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, while Memphis is also set to play next Saturday as it hosts the Swope Park Rangers at AutoZone Park at 8:30 p.m. ET.