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The Battery split points with the Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday night at Al Lang Stadium. Ian Svantesson scored his fourth goal of the season to rescue a point for Charleston late in the match.

Both teams had numerous chances in the first half to open the scoring but neither side could capitalize on the opportunities. Nicque Daley showcased his quick feet and top end speed turning on defender Pape Diakite fifty-five seconds into the match. Daley picked up a pass just past the center circle, and with his back to Diakite, split the Rowdies defense top put himself through on goal. Daley would push his shot inches wide of the right post and out for a Rowdies goal kick.

Kotaro Higashi and Vincenzo Candela would put goalkeeper John McCarthy under pressure forcing back to back saves in the 16th minute. Higashi attacked the Rowdies down the left side making his way past Tarek Morad, firing a low shot at McCarthy who was able to make the initial save. McCarthy couldn’t control Higashi’s shot and the ball eventually found its way to Candela, who lined up a shot from outside the eighteen. Candela’s shot was straight back at McCarthy and the Rowdies were able to regroup.

The Rowdies had their fair share of chances in the first half, controlling a majority of possession and attacking play. Pape Diakite forced a save from goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky in the 11th minute leading to a Rowdies corner, and later in the first half, Brandon Allen had an open look from six yards out, his header up and over the crossbar. Rowdies captain Sebastian Guenzatti scored his seventh goal of the season in the 39th minute to put Tampa Bay up 1-0. Midfielder Malik Johnson provided the assist on Guenzatti’s goal playing a one-touch pass into the forward who found a yard of space and powered a shot past Kuzminsky.

Ian Svantesson would replace Nicque Daley in the 82nd minute and scored the equalizing goal six minutes later, earning the Battery a late point on the road. The Battery and Jarad van Schaik earned a free kick in the 88th minute which would lead to Svantesson’s goal. Van Schaik’s ball from the subsequent free kick found the head of Arthur Bosua on the right side of the box, his attempt coming back across the middle. Svantesson raised his leg and directed Bosua’s header on target beating McCarthy at the far post. “Arthur had a mismatch and I just wanted to put myself in a good position,” said Svantesson after the game. “When I saw it come off his head, I got my leg up and made enough contact to score. It’s a good result for the team.”

The Battery return home on June 22nd to take on Swope Park Rangers at MUSC Health Stadium at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available and can be purchased here.

BOX SCORE:

TAMPA BAY: McCarthy, Morad, Diakite, Richards, Johnson, Poku (Ekra 80’), Steinberger, Oduro (YC 86’), Najem (Doherty 75’), Guenzatti (goal 39’, YC 58’), Allen (Tejada 63’)

Substitutes: Konopka, Barry, Ekra, Doherty, Tejada, Taylor, Hoppenot

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Nelson (YC 29’, Rittmeyer 49’, YC 90’), Mueller, van Schaik, Paterson, Piggott (Marini 68’), Candela, Kelly, Higashi, Bosua, Daley (Svantesson 82’, goal 88’)

Substitutes: Breno, Bolt, Rittmeyer, Marini, Mason, Svantesson

The Charleston Battery head to the Sunshine State for a Saturday night clash with Eastern Conference leaders Tampa Bay Rowdies at 6:30 PM at Al Lang Stadium.

The Rowdies suffered their first defeat of the season last weekend against North Carolina FC. It was an off night for the Rowdies who conceded three goals, the first time all season they have allowed multiple goals in a single match.

Andre Fortune led NCFC scoring two goals in the 3-1 win. Fortune opened the scoring in the 19th minute and doubled the visitors lead three minutes into the second half.

Tampa Bay substitute Zach Steinberger lifted the Rowdies, cutting the NCFC lead in the 54th minute. Dominic Oduro nearly brought the hosts level in the 66th minute striking the crossbar following a free kick opportunity. Steven Miller would seal the win for NCFC in the 77th minute. 

The Rowdies remain in the driver’s seat in the East, three points ahead of second place New York Red Bulls II. 

The Battery exited the U.S. Open Cup in a Fourth Round defeat to Major League Soccer side Atlanta United on Thursday night. It’s the third consecutive year that the Battery have lost to Atlanta United in the Open Cup.

Ian Svantesson scored the opening goal of the match in the 20th minute, capitalizing on sloppy play from Atlanta. AJ Paterson created the chance after a well-timed challenge to win the ball finding Svantesson at the top of the box.

Atlanta controlled much of the first half action following the Battery goal but were unable to find an equalizer. Atlanta found their breakthrough in the 79th minute through Romario Williams. A pair of extra time goals from Atlanta substitute Brandon Vazquez would eventually send the hosts through to the Fifth Round of the Open Cup.

What to Watch For

Tampa Bay Row D’s – The Rowdies have been the best defensive unit in the Championship conceding just 7 goals in 14 league matches. Prior to last weekends home loss against NCFC, the Rowdies had only allowed 4 goals through the first thirteen matches of the season.

Goalkeeper John McCarthy has played a vital role in the success of the Rowdies defense this season. McCarthy is among the league’s leaders in saves (35) and is tied with  North Carolina’s Alex Tambakis for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

McCarthy tops the charts when it comes to clean sheets (9) highlighted by five straight shutout’s earlier this season.

History Repeating? -The Battery have had the Rowdies number since 2017 playing to a 4-1-1 record against the Tampa Bay club. Charleston have won two of the last three meetings between the two sides at Al Lang Stadium and will be looking for another positive result Saturday night.

A midweek match against the Rowdies in August of 2018 produced a 0-0 draw and could be a preview of what to expect on Saturday. The match featured a total of 25 shots of which only 3 were on target. Defense has been a consistent strength for the Battery and Charleston’s all-time record against the Rowdies could see the Battery take points on the road in a defensive bout.

Ian Svantesson – Ian Svantesson’s goal on Thursday night against Atlanta should give the forward confidence heading into Saturday’s match. Svantesson scored three goals in U.S. Open Cup play, matching his total scored in USL Championship this season. With the Battery out of the competition, Svantesson’s focus will return to finding the back of the net in league play and will be a welcoming sign for the Battery who currently sit 8th in the East.

Tampa Bay Rowdies: USL Championship Record, 8-1-5 (Home: 4-1-3)

Team Leaders

Goals: Guenzatti (6)

Assists: Fernandes, Tinari (4)

Chances Created: Tinari (30)

Saves: McCarthy (35)

Clean Sheets: McCarthy (9)

Charleston Battery: USL Championship Record, 5-3-5 (Away 1-3-1)

Team Leaders

Goals: Lewis (4)

Assists: Higashi, Lewis, Woodbine (2)

Chances Created: Lewis (22)

Saves: Kuzminsky (31)

Clean Sheets: Kuzminsky (3)

The Charleston Battery paid tribute to prisoners of war (POW) and soldiers missing in action (MIA) at MUSC Health Stadium on Saturday, June 8, 2019, for Military Appreciation Night. 

The night kicked off with an exciting game ball delivery via helicopter thanks to MUSC MEDUCARE Medical Transport Service. We had the honor of having The National Anthem performed by Captain Time from Joint Base Charleston to start the evening.  The POW/MIA Chair of Honor Dedication took place during halftime with a Color Guard presentation. The chair remains roped off and always unoccupied to help people remember that even though our soldiers are not here, there is still a space for them at the stadium. We also honored match day Hometown Hero, Mr. Robert Floyd Hennessee, a WWII Veteran, and Purple Heart recipient.

Thanks to Akima (www.akima.com) for sponsoring both Military Appreciation Night and the Battery Hometown Hero.

The Battery exit the U.S. Open Cup in the Fourth Round following a 3-1 defeat to Major League Soccer Side Atlanta United Thursday night. It marks the third consecutive year that the Battery have lost to Atlanta in the Open Cup.

The Battery looked to be the better side through the first twenty-five minutes of the match, defending well and creating early chances that troubled the Atlanta defense. Romario Piggott would have the first chance of the game for Charleston after picking up a loose ball on the edge of the area. Piggott dribbled in from the top right side of the eighteen and struck a shot towards goal, but the attempt was low and into the hands of goalkeeper Alec Kann.

Ian Svantesson opened the scoring in the 20th minute and made Atlanta pay for sloppy play in the back. Goalkeeper Alec Kann dribbled out to the right side of his penalty area looking for an outlet pass to one of his teammates. His pass found its way in the direction of defender Franco Escobar who was immediately pressured by AJ Paterson. Escobar tried to let the ball roll through his legs, but Paterson made a well-timed challenge and won possession. Paterson immediately found Svantesson at the top of the box, and with Kann recovering from his initial pass, Svantesson slipped a shot past the keeper before he was able to recover.

After conceding, Atlanta seemed to flip a switch, controlling the rest of the first half action. Atlanta finished the first half with a majority of possession (74%) and eleven shots. The Battery defense remained organized, led by captain Taylor Mueller. Of the eleven first-half shots for Atlanta, only three were on target.

Former Battery forward Romario Williams would level things for the hosts in the 79th minute. On an Atlanta United corner, Franco Escobar and Miles Robinson attacked a cross sent in by Pity Martinez. Robinson got his head to the ball playing it back towards the middle of the box and the resulting ball found its way in front of goal. Williams was first to it and tapped it past Phil Breno.

The Battery continued to defend and took advantage of their limited chances, challenging Atlanta for a late winner. A late charge in the final seconds of stoppage time produced an opportunity for Romario Piggot who had Angelo Kelly making an overlapping run into the box in a two on one situation, but the referee blew his whistle stopping the Battery chance and regular time.

Brandon Vazquez would secure the win for Atlanta United scoring two goals in extra time. Vazquez scored his first in the 110th minute after receiving a lofted pass from Justin Meram and beating both Phil Breno and Taylor Mueller to the ball in a moment of miscommunication for the Battery pair. Meram would once again play provider for Vazquez picking out the forward at the far post on a pass in the 120th minute.

The Battery have a day’s rest before playing Saturday night against Eastern Conference leaders, Tampa Bay Rowdies at Al Lang Stadium.

Further to the statement by US Soccer announcing our 4th round US Open Cup game to now be played in Atlanta, we wanted to put on record our deep disappointment that we could not stage the game at MUSC Health Stadium last night. Our front office staff and grounds crew worked tirelessly in order to have the match played here. The field conditions were favorable early afternoon, however, the torrential rain that Daniel Island received around 4 pm yesterday set those efforts back. We were encouraged to see both teams warming up as kick off time approached and noted the ball moving freely on most areas of the pitch, sadly the head match official after much consultation deemed the pitch unplayable.

From that moment on we have been extensively exploring every option to stage the game in Charleston or within a reasonable driving distance in order for our fans to be in attendance. We would like to thank the College of Charleston, Wando High School, South Carolina United/Bantams, Greenville Triumph SC and the Savannah Sports Council as well as the United Soccer League in all their help and assistance today. We believed we had found a venue to play, however, US Soccer determined the best option was to play in Kennesaw and we abide by their decision. We wish our players and coaches every success in the game tomorrow evening in Kennesaw which can be viewed on ESPN+.

Fans that purchased tickets prior to last night’s game will be contacted directly via email within the next 48 hours concerning ticket exchange options. Fans that purchased on the night should email tickets@https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com and still be in possession of their ticket stub.

CHARLESTON (June 12, 2019) The Charleston Battery’s Fourth Round Open Cup match against Atlanta United has been rescheduled to be played on June 13th at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Kennesaw, GA at 7:00 PM EST.

U.S. Soccer has issued the following release in regards to the rescheduled match.

CHICAGO (June 12, 2019) – The Fourth Round match between Charleston Battery (USL Championship) and Atlanta United (Major League Soccer) has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 13 at Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga. The closed-door match is not open to the public but will be broadcast on ESPN+ and complete the Fourth Round of the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, U.S. Soccer’s National Championship.

The match was originally scheduled to be played Tuesday night at MUSC Health Stadium in Charleston, S.C. but was abandoned due to an unplayable field surface due to persistent rain in the area. Despite Charleston’s efforts to secure a new venue for the match within 12-hours for Thursday, U.S. Soccer determined the match would be played in the venue that holds Atlanta United 2 games. The match is closed-door due to the immediate rescheduling of the event with insufficient time to secure staff and security personnel at the venue.

The match will be open to media. Media interested in attending should RSVP to communications@atlutd.com by 10 p.m.

The Fourth Round continues Wednesday night with nine games across the country beginning at 7 p.m. ET. All remaining Fourth Round games will be available to watch on ESPN+.

After the conclusion of Wednesday’s showdowns, the Round of 16 Draw will still be conducted the following morning on Thursday, June 13 at 10 a.m. ET. The Draw will be broadcast on U.S. Open Cup’s Twitter account @opencup and ussoccer.com.

The Battery earned three points against Birmingham Legion at MUSC Health Stadium on Saturday night. The win extends the Battery’s unbeaten streak at home to eight games.

Forward Romario Piggot scored his first goal of the season in the 26th minute to give the Battery a 1-0 lead. Arthur Bosua received a pass at the top of the box and held off a Birmingham defender, allowing Kotaro Higashi to come up into the play. Bosua laid a pass off to Higashi who then threaded a perfect ball into the path of Piggott. Piggott took a slight touch in the box and beat goalkeeper Matt VanOekel with a low shot to the far post. Piggott nearly doubled the lead in the 39th minute after getting onto the end of a cross from Nico Rittmeyer, but the attempt was saved.

Birmingham would grab a late first-half goal to level things at the break. Mikey Lopez scored for the Legion, beating Joe Kuzminsky from less than a yard out. Brian Wright rose above defender Kyle Nelson to head a pass towards the streaking Lopez and the midfielder tapped home a sliding effort in the 44th minute of play.

Bosua would snag his second goal in as many games with a penalty in the 75th minute. Higashi led the build up and played Bosua into the Birmingham box. Bosua had to work hard to get on the end of the pass before having a shot towards goal. Defender Mathieu Laurent attempted a sliding challenge but ended up blocking the shot with his hands. Bosua stepped up to the spot and placed a perfect penalty to the bottom left corner doubling the Battery’s lead.

The Battery looked for their third of the evening, Bosua involved once again in setting up the chance. AJ Paterson found himself open a yard inside the box but hesitated on the shot and VanOekel was about to save. Paterson would find redemption on the missed chance in the third minute of stoppage. Nicque Daley occupied two defenders before finding Paterson coming in from the midfield. Paterson took his shot from a yard outside the box, deflecting up and in past VanOekel in the 93rd minute of the match.

The Battery host defending Major League Soccer champions, Atlanta United, in the Fourth Round of the U.S. Open Cup on June 11th at 7:30 PM at MUSC Health Stadium. Individual and group tickets are on sale and can be purchased here.

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, van Schaik, Mueller, Nelson, Kelly (Marini 70’), Anunga, Candela, Rittmeyer (YC 82’), Higashi (Paterson 87’, goal 90+3), Piggott (goal 26’, Daley 62’, YC 66’), Bosua (PEN 74’)

Substitutes: Breno, Woodbine, Marini, Paterson, Svantesson, Daley

BIRMINGHAM: VanOekel, Appiah (YC 65’, Kobayashi 69’), Lopez (goal 44’), Wright, Kasim, Avila (Hoffman 77’), Johnson (YC 57’), Laurent, Cromwell (Turner 57’), Culbertson, Hollinger-Janzen

Substitutes: Spangenberg, Holland, Kobayashi, Mabiala, Hoffman, Turner, Kucera

The Charleston Battery square off against Birmingham Legion on Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium at 7:30 PM. The two sides will face off for the first time since Birmingham joined the USL Championship prior to the start of the 2019 season.

The Battery suffered a 4-1 defeat to Louisville City FC last Saturday at Slugger Field. It was the Battery’s third loss of the season, all of which have come on the road.

The Battery conceded an early goal in the third minute before being reduced to 10-men following a Kierron Mason red card in the 19th minute of play. Magnus Rasmussen converted the ensuing penalty to double Louisville’s lead.

Arthur Bosua scored his second goal of the season following a corner five minutes into the second half. Candela’s cross was over the head of Kyle Nelson and Bosua was able to direct the ball past Louisville’s keeper.

A double deflection own goal sealed the Battery’s fate in the 74th minute. Rasmussen took a shot from the edge of the box deflecting off of Romario Piggott before hitting Dante Marini and beating Kuzminsky at the near post. Niall McCabe scored Louisville’s fourth late in the match following a free kick from 21 yards outside the box.

Birmingham were the latest Eastern Conference side to fall to the Tampa Bay Rowdies last Saturday at BBVA Compass Field. It was the fifth loss in seven home matches for the Legion who will be hoping for a better result against the Battery on Saturday.

Sebastian Guenzatti opened the scoring for the Battery in the 28th minute. Andrew Tinari found Guenzatti open in the middle of the penalty area and the forward finished one a first-time shot, low into the bottom corner of the net.

Tinari would double the Rowdies lead a minute before halftime. Malik Johnson was able to control a long cross into the far post, drawing a Birmingham defender towards the goalline. Johnson played the ball back towards the middle of the box where Tanari beat goalkeeper Matt Van Oekel after his shot deflected off defender Kyle Culbertson.

What to Watch For

Big Hoff – Chandler Hoffman is one of the USL Championship’s most decorated goal scorers. Hoffman sits third all-time in goals scored in the USL Championship (62), hitting double-digit goals in three straight seasons. Prior to joining Birmingham at the start of 2019, Hoffman spent the last two season with Real Monarchs scoring 29 goals in 67 appearances (60 starts).

In 2016 Chandler lead Louisville City FC to a second place finish in the East and a birth in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals. They would fall to eventual USL Championshions, New York Red Bulls II, 4-3 on penalties. Hoffman finished the season with 15 goals on the season, leading all Louisville players.

Call Up’s and Recalls – The Charleston Battery are without key starters Zeiko Lewis and Leland Archer. The pair have received international call ups to represent Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago ahead of the 2019 Gold Cup. Lewis has scored four goals for the Battery this season while leading the team in chances created (22).

Birmingham will be without Zach Herivaux who will represent Haiti in the Gold Cup and J.J. Williams was recalled by Major League Soccer side Columbus Crew. Williams shares the team lead for goals scored alongside Chandler Hoffman and Prosper Kasim.

Coaches Corner

Mike Anhaeuser

“We want to regroup and we’re back at home where we haven’t lost. This is a great place to be. There have been a few little things that we’ve been working on defensively but the big thing is we’re back here where we create a lot of chances.

We’ll be able to get the ball forward a bit more and do less defending. They are a possession team so it’s something we’ll worry about, they like to pass the ball, they like to keep control of it, and they’ll try to out-possess you.”

Jarad van Schaik

“Tough game [Louisville]. Honestly, I think we made a few costly mistakes kinda giving the ball away in tough spots and we got punished, they are a good team.”

We’re going to treat it like any other match. We have to come out focused, extra focused coming off this last week. We’ve got an Open Cup game coming up as well but you can’t look past anyone in this league because thats when you get punched in the mouth.”

Charleston Battery: USL Championship Record, 4-3-5 (Home: 3-0-4)

Team Leaders

Goals: Lewis (4)

Assists: Lewis, Woodbine (2)

Chances Created: Lewis (22)

Saves: Kuzminsky (29)

Clean Sheets: Kuzminsky (3)

Birmingham Legion, USL Championship Record, 3-6-3 (Away: 2-1-2)

Team Leaders

Goals: Hoffman, Kasim, Williams (2)

Assists: Avila, Culbertson, Kobayashi (2)

Chances Created: Johnson, Kasim (14)

Saves: Van Oekel (23)

Clean Sheets: Van Oekel (2)