News Archive

This week’s Blackbaud Nonprofit of the Match is Trident Habitat for Humanity. The Trident umbrella includes the five affiliates serving the greater Charleston Metro Area in South Carolina – Dorchester, Charleston, Berkeley, East Cooper, and Sea Island.

Trident Habitat for Humanity is a regional support organization that represents, serves and raises funds for all five Habitat affiliates of greater Charleston, S.C.  Trident Habitat was formed to extend the reach and the impact of the affiliates, who collaboratively seek to raise awareness and additional funds to provide access to affordable housing to a larger number of Low county residents at a time when the need is particularly high.  Trident Habitat acts as a “vessel” for donations from organizations and individuals that want to ensure that the entire Tri-County area is reached and impacted by their donation, be it from an area-wide corporate or grant-making organization, or an individual.

Offering a comprehensive approach, Trident Habitat affiliates area non-denominational, Christian based, one-stop resources offering low-wealth families a direct path to decent, permanent and affordable housing.  Simply put, Trident Habitat affiliates help a significant portion of the population who can’t qualify for conventional financing. Trident Habitat affiliates share services, knowledge and experience, working together to empower people with limited resources to reach their dream of home-ownership.  As a result, they are working to address the ongoing need for affordable housing in the South Carolina counties of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of each Trident Habitat affiliate.  From students to corporate executives to retirees, volunteers raise funds, build homes, donate time at the ReStore locations, and offer expertise and counsel on financial, real estate, legal, and more through service on each affiliate’s Board of Directors and committees.

To learn more about the organization or sign up to volunteer, visit their table near the west main entrance or visit http://www.tridenthabitat.org

The Charleston Battery come into their first match with Ottawa Fury FC sitting atop the Eastern Conference table with 12 points. Charleston have scored the most goals in the USL (13) on their way to a 4-1-0 record in the first five games.

Forrest Lasso scored the Battery’s opening goal in their 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies a week ago. Lasso connected with Justin Portillo from a set piece for the third time this season. Portillo currently leads the league in assists with four.

Maikel Chang scored his second goal in as many games in the match against the Rowdies, while Tah Brian Anunga scored his first goal ever for the Club. Anunga’s goal came at the death in the match in St. Petersburg, handing the Rowdies their first loss at home this season.

Ottawa come into Saturday’s match at the opposite end of the table in fourteenth place. The Fury have only won one of their first four matches this season, defeating the Richmond Kickers, 1-0, in week four.

Ottawa have struggled to find the back of the net in the early portion of the 2017 season, scoring only four goals in four matches. The USL newcomers have been shutout twice, but have also earned two shutouts on the defensive end to keep their goal differential at -1. Callum Irving earned both shutouts in goal.

Players to Watch

CHARLESTON –  Maikel Chang will be looking to extend his scoring streak to three games Saturday night against Ottawa. The Cuban winger had a rough start to the season, but has been in good form since scoring his first goal of the season against Rochester in week four. In addition to scoring goals, Chang is third on the Battery roster in chances created. Chang’s ability to deliver quality crosses from out wide or cut in and put a shot on frame keeps defenders off balance. Look for him to continue to attacking down the flanks against Ottawa.

OTTAWA – Steevan Dos Santos has caused Charleston trouble in the past. The former Rochester Rhino routinely scored goals and created dangerous chances in his matches against the Battery. Dos Santos has only scored one goal for Ottawa so far in 2017, but if Paul Dalglish names him in the XI Saturday night, Charleston center backs Taylor Mueller and Forrest Lasso will need to keep a tight eye on him. 

The Charleston Battery defeated South Georgia Tormenta FC, 1-0, at MUSC Health Stadium Wednesday night. With the win, the Battery advances past their first first match of the U.S. Open Cup for the 13th consecutive year.

After a stop-start first twenty minutes, the Battery opened the scoring through Patrick Okonkwo. Victor Mansaray received a pass from Nico Rittmeyer on the left wing and served an inswinging cross towards the back post. Okonkwo rose up and met the cross, nodding it in for his first professional goal.

The Battery continued the strong defensive play they’ve recently displayed in the league in Wednesday’s match. Despite being reduced to 10 men when Nico Rittmeyer was shown his second yellow card in the 63rd minute, Charleston didn’t give up a shot on goal in the match. Odisnel Cooper earned the shutout, the team’s third in four games.

“The key is win and move on,” said Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser after the match. “We were unfortunate to get the red card there, but the guys defended well. I don’t think we gave up a shot which is fantastic for our defense.”

Tormenta were also reduced to 10 men in the 87th minute when Nil Vinyals was shown his second yellow card for a late challenge on Kotaro Higashi. With the numbers even, the Battery saw out the game and earned their fifth straight win.

The Battery will return to league play this Saturday, May 19 against Ottawa Fury FC prior to the third round Open Cup match on Wednesday, May 23. The Battery will host Elm City Express in the third round match. Tickets for the Open Cup match start at $7 and will be on sale beginning Thursday, May 17.

CHARLESTON – Odisnel Cooper, Skylar Thomas, Taylor Mueller, Neveal Hackshaw, Nico Rittmeyer (yellow card, 48, 63), Vincenzo Candela (Kotaro Higashi, 69) , Ryan Arambula, Victor Mansaray, Angelo Kelly, Ian Svantesson, Patrick Okonkwo (goal, 21, Tah Brian Anunga, 65)

Substitutes – Joe Kuzminsky, Robert Beebe, Gordon Wild, Ataulla Guerra, Jarad van Schaik

TORMENTA – Pablo Jara, Nick Wells, Josh Phelps, Callum Chapman, Ayao Sossou, Toni Soler, Nil Vinyals (yellow card, 37, 87), Jad Arslan (yellow card, 56;  Cadu Cusatis, 79), Marco Micoletto (Mikie Rowe, 23), Ya Ya Cisse, Manolo Sanchez (Isidro Martinez, 61)

Substitutes – Matthew Rosenberg, Alvaro Arche, Jordan Walshaw, Jerry Saint-Vil  

The Charleston Battery advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open Cup with a 1-0 victory over South Georgia Tormenta Wednesday night at MUSC Health Stadium. The Battery will host Elm City Express, who defeated the Seacoast United Phantoms to advance to the third round, on Wednesday, May 23.

With the win, the Battery advanced past their first match in the Open Cup for the 13th consecutive year. Patrick Okonkwo scored the game’s only goal to put the Battery through to the third round.  

Tickets for the third round match cost $7 and are on sale now at https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com. All season ticket holders will receive complimentary tickets to the match which can be picked up at customer service during the Charleston Battery vs. Ottawa Fury FC match this Saturday.  Wednesday, May 23 will be a dollar beer night at MUSC Health Stadium. Fans can enjoy dollar beers all night beginning when gates open at 5:30.

Match Details:

U.S. Open Cup Round 3
Charleston Battery vs. Elm City Express
Wednesday, May 23 – Dollar Beer Night
Free Parking
Gates 5:30 PM; Kickoff 7:00 PM

The Charleston Battery will begin play in the 2018 U.S. Open Cup Wednesday night against South Georgia Tormenta FC (PDL) at MUSC Health Stadium.  

Tormenta FC advanced to the second round of the Open Cup by defeating the Myrtle Beach Mutiny, 2-1, last Wednesday at North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex. Toni Soler and Jad Arslan scored Tormenta’s goals in the victory.

There are several roster connections between the two teams; Battery fans will recognize Tormenta’s #12, Manolo Sanchez, from preseason, while Nico Rittmeyer and Leland Archer both previously spent time with the Statesboro, GA Club. Rittmeyer has appeared in seven games for the Battery this season; Archer signed his first ever professional contract with the USL side last week.

Wednesday’s match is the Battery’s first in the 2018 Open Cup. Charleston advanced to the fourth round of the 2017 tournament, beating Atlanta Silverbacks and Jacksonville Armada on their way to a match-up with Atlanta United. The MLS side ended the Battery’s cup run, earning a 3-2 win at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA last June.

The Battery is one of only two lower-division clubs to advance to the Open Cup Final since the MLS era began in 1998. Charleston advanced the the final in 2008, ultimately falling to D.C. United, 2-1, at RFK Stadium.

Should the Battery advance, they will take on the winner of the Seacoast United Phantoms (PDL) and Elm City Express (NPSL) in the third round. The result of the match between the Phantoms and the Express will determine home field advantage for the third round.

Tickets for Wednesday’s Open Cup match cost $7 and are available now at https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com. As is customary for midweek matches at MUSC Health Stadium, Wednesday night will be a Dollar Beer Night. Fans can enjoy $1 beers beginning when gates open at 5:30 PM and continuing throughout the game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

The Charleston Battery won their fourth consecutive game Saturday night, defeating Bethlehem Steel FC, 2-1, at MUSC Health Stadium.

Ataulla Guerra and Gordon Wild connected for the second time in as many games to open the scoring just before halftime. The two exchanged passes at the top of the 18-yard box, which eventually sprung Wild free in behind the defense heading towards the endline. The rookie settled himself, cut the ball back, and found Guerra with a pass inside the 6-yard box for a tap-in, his third goal in three games and team-leading fifth.

Guerra and Wild were at the center of the Battery’s second goal as well, scored on the other side of the halftime break. This time, Guerra exchanged passes with Neveal Hackshaw on the left sideline, putting him through into space. Hackshaw picked his head up and found Wild with a cross at the back post. Wild smashed the serve on the full volley to double the advantage.

“Neveal played in a great cross,” said Wild describing the stunning goal. “I saw the ball coming and, full risk, I tried to smash it and luckily I hit it well.”

Following Wild’s goal, the Battery appeared to be in control, but a penalty in the 65th minute brought the visitors back into the game. The referee whistled for handball after the ball bounced around inside the 18-yard box. Derrick Jones converted the penalty, snapping Charleston’s 335-minute shutout run.

Bethlehem pressed hard in the final fifteen minutes, searching for an equalizer. The Battery defense, led by captain Taylor Mueller, stayed compact and organized and diverting several chances before they reached the attacking third.

Goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky was forced to make a sliding save in the 93rd minute to preserve the 2-1 lead. Kuzminsky read the play well and got out quickly to block the shot and seal the team’s fourth victory in four games. The win extends the Battery’s unbeaten streak to six games.

“After their goal, they kept pressure on us,” said Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser. “Sometimes you can crumble under that pressure or make a mistake because you’re frustrated. Our guys showed a lot of character and Joe made a great save at the end of the game, which is what you need in that situation. That’s a huge three points for us.”   

Next up for the Battery is a second-round U.S. Open Cup match against South Georgia Tormenta at MUSC Health Stadium. The match is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 16. Tickets cost $7 and are on sale now at https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com.  

CHARLESTON – Joe Kuzminsky, Skylar Thomas, Taylor Mueller, Neveal Hackshaw, Jay Bolt (Nico Rittmeyer, 27; yellow card, 31), Vincenzo Candela (yellow card, 20), Tah Brian Anunga, Jarad van Schaik, Gordon Wild (goal, 53), Kotaro Higashi, Ataulla Guerra (goal, 44; Ian Svantesson, 75)

Substitutes – Odisnel Cooper, Ryan Arambula, Angelo Kelly, Patrick Okonkwo, Victor Mansaray

BETHLEHEM – Jake McGuire, Prosper Chiluya, Brandon Aubrey, Matthew Mahoney, Olivier Mbazio (yellow card, 9), Derrick Jones (goal, 65), Drew Skundrich, Adam Najem (Chris Nanco, 65), Michee Ngalina (Santi Moar, 60), Fabian Herbers (Tonny Temple, 70), Aidan Apodaca

Substitutes – Tomas Romero, Mike Catalano, Brandon Allen, AJ Paterson

The Charleston Battery has signed former College of Charleston standout Leland Archer for the 2018 season, pending USL and USSF approval.

Prior to joining the Battery, Archer played four years at the College of Charleston where he collected several All-Conference accolades, including CAA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017. Archer logged over 6,000 minutes for the Cougars and was one of the CAA’s most dominant defenders throughout his collegiate career. In addition to his impressive defensive play, Archer finished as the team’s leading scorer during his final season at The College.

“Leland was an amazing student-athlete for us during his four years,” said College of Charleston Head Coach Ralph Lundy. “We are so happy that he has signed for the Charleston Battery.  They are incredible club and constantly compete for championships. He will be a great addition and we look forward to seeing him grow at the professional level.”

During high school, Archer attended Fatima College in his native Trinidad where he won North Zone InterCol championship in 2013 and played his way into the Trinidad and Tobago U-17 National Team.

Archer joins fellow Cougar alum, Nico Rittmeyer, on the Battery’s 2018 squad. The College of Charleston has produced several players for the Battery over the last decade. During his 14 seasons as Head Coach and General Manager, Mike Anhaeuser has consistently signed players from the local college including Zach Prince and Shawn Ferguson who both made more than 100 appearances for the Club during their careers.

Player Bio:

Name: Leland Archer
Position: D
Height: 6-4
Date of Birth: January 8, 1996
Age: 22
Hometown: Port of Spain, Trinidad
Country: Trinidad and Tobago
College: College of Charleston
How acquired: Signed in May of 2018

The Charleston Battery enter this weekend’s match against Bethlehem Steel FC in first place in the Eastern Conference despite dropping points at home to Ottawa last weekend. The Battery drew, 2-2, with the USL newcomers, battling back from behind on two separate occasions to earn a hard fought point at MUSC Health Stadium.

Romario Williams scored both goals in last Saturday’s match, bringing his season total to six. Williams’ six goals have him tied for the league lead with FC Cincinnati’s Djiby Fall and San Antonio FC’s Billy Forbes. Following his brace against Ottawa, Williams is now more than halfway to his goal total from the 2016 season (10) after only six matches.

Mirroring Williams’ impressive start, the Battery are five points ahead of where they were in 2016 after six games.  This time a year ago, Charleston had a 2-1-3  record (9 pts.) and only scored seven goals. Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser has stated on several occasions that the 2017 squad would be more attack-minded than previous years’ teams and it’s shown on the pitch. The Battery are second in goals scored with 15, just behind San Antonio (18) who have played one more match.

Bethlehem Steel FC enter Saturday’s match coming off of their second win of the season. Both wins have come against FC Cincinnati at Goodman Stadium in Pennsylvania. The Steel defeated FCC, 2-0, at home in early April then finished out the month with a 1-0 win last weekend. Cincinnati played with 10-men in both matches, with Paul Nicholson being sent off in the 23rd minute of the first match and Andy Craven being sent off in second half injury time in the second. Goalkeeper Jake McGuire earned both shutouts against FCC.

Bethlehem have lost the other three matches they’ve played this season, dropping results versus Rochester Rhinos (3-2) and Orlando City B (2-0) at home and Harrisburg City Islanders (3-2) on the road.

Players to Watch

CHARLESTON – Keep an eye on Maikel Chang again this week. Bethlehem have given up eight goals this season most of which have come from counter attacks and moves down the opposing team’s right flank. After a slow start to the season, Chang has scored or had an assist in each of the Battery’s previous three matches. In addition to his contributions on the scoresheet, Chang routinely sparks counter attacks with his ability on the ball and his vision. He’ll be looking to continue his good form and exploit the left side of Bethlehem’s defense Saturday night.

BETHLEHEM – Seku Conneh fits the mold of the type of player that has historically caused Charleston’s defense issues. The 6-2 center forward has pace, plays with physicality, and has a high workrate and good feet. Conneh has scored three goals and registered one assist this season and is close to surpassing his 2016 goal total (5) already. The 21-year old will look to make runs in behind the Battery’s defense to force the center backs to chase and track back towards their own goal.

Game Details

Gates open at 5:30pm, kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm. We’ll be celebrating Seis de Soccer with dollar beers beginning when gates open. The Three Lions Pub will be open to the public beginning at 5:30. 

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Fans can watch the match on https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com or on My TV Charleston. 

This week’s Blackbaud Nonprofit of the Match is Carry The Load. Carry The Load is a non-profit dedicated to providing active, meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes — military, law enforcement, firefighters, rescue personnel and their families.

What started as a mission to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day has broadened to include more than just our military heroes and more than just the one holiday. Carry The Load works to bring all Americans together to participate in honoring our nation’s heroes every day. See the full story in the video to the right.

Founded in 2011 by two Veteran Navy SEALs Carry The Load began as a 20 hour and 11 minute Memorial March in Dallas, Texas. In 2012, it expanded to include an East Coast Relay, walking from West Point, NY to Dallas, Texas throughout the month of May. The relay leg captains walk in 5 mile increments carrying the American flag to bring awareness to the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes. In 2016, Carry The Load expanded once again by adding a West Coast route from Seattle, WA to Dallas, TX to help engage Americans throughout the country.

Each year participation has grown. In 2017, Carry The Load walked through over 19 states and had Rallies in approximately 50 cities throughout the country. The Memorial May Awareness campaign has raised over $15M and also provides funding for Carry The Load’s Continuum of Care program. In 2017, Carry The Load added, Carry The Flag, an educational program to inspire patriotism for students K-12. Carry The Load continues to expand to Honor our Nation’s heroes 365 days a year.

For more information, visit carrytheload.org