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The Battery travel to Memphis this weekend for a Saturday night match against Memphis 901 FC. It will be the first match between the two sides since Memphis joined the league for their inaugural season in 2019.

The Battery are coming off an impressive 3-1 win against Memphis rival Nashville SC last Saturday at MUSC Health Stadium. It was a night of firsts for the Battery as forward Arthur Bosua made his first start in place of the injured Ian Svantesson. He would pick up his first goal for the club in the second half to double the Battery’s lead. Defender Kyle Nelson and forward Nicque Daley made their debuts in the match replacing Leland Archer and Bosua.

Charleston are looking for their first road win of the season, and if they can manage three points on Saturday, it will be back to back wins before a return home on May 4th against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. “They’ve had a week off, they’re going to come out fired up,” said coach Mike Anhaeuser after Friday’s practice. “I think it’s going to come down to who comes out and battles the most physically.”

Zeiko Lewis will continue to be the focal point of the Battery offense this weekend. The Bermuda international has tallied two goals and one assist this season while leading the team in chances created (13). “My success comes from my teammates,” Lewis said “They encourage me and lift me up. We’ve all been pushing to get here and we can’t be complacent with our performances.”

Memphis continue to look for their first win at AutoZone Park and have lacked an offensive spark managing just one goal through three home matches this season. USMNT prospect Cam Lindley will look to provide the spark Memphis needs to grab three points at home. The 21-year-old Indiana native made his Memphis debut against Nashville SC completing ninety percent of his passes and creating two chances in the 2-0 loss.

Goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell will make the Battery earn their goals Saturday night. Caldwell made five saves against Nashville SC and has 15 saves on the season sitting in the Top 5 for saves in the Eastern Conference.

Next Time Out

The Charleston Battery return home to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on May 4th while Memphis 901 FC are on the road to face off against Louisville City FC on April 30th.

Memphis 901 FC: USL Championship Record, 1-4-2 (Home: 0-2-1)

Team Leaders

Goals: Burch (2)

Assists: Muckette (1)

Chances Created: Najem (10)

Saves: Caldwell (15)

Clean Sheets: Caldwell (1)

Charleston Battery: USL Championship Record, 3-1-2 (Away: 0-1-1)

Team Leaders

Goals: Svantesson (3)

Assists: Woodbine (2)

Chances Created: Lewis (13)

Saves: Kuzminsky (11)

Clean Sheets: Kuzminsky (1) 

The U.S. Soccer Federation has released the pairings and host scenarios for the Second Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The Battery will enter the second round of the competition along with twenty-four other USL Championship clubs.  

The First Round of Open Cup matches are scheduled to take place May 7-8 with the winners advancing to the Second Round. The First Round of action will feature six USL League One clubs, and thirty-two Open Division teams comprised of clubs from USL League Two, the National Premier Soccer League [NPSL], and local qualifiers amongst amateur teams.

The Battery will face the Round One winner of Greenville Triumph SC v. South Georgia Tormenta FC which will be played on May 8th at 7 PM. The location of the Second Round match is TBD and will depend on the result of the Greenville v. Tormenta match. Host scenarios are as follows;

If Greenville Triumph SC win, Greenville will host the Battery at Legacy Early College Field on May 15th at 7 PM.

If South Georgia Tormenta FC win, the Battery will host Tormenta at MUSC Health Stadium on May 15th at 7 PM.

Ticketing information will be released upon the conclusion of the Greenville Triumph SC v. South Georgia Tormenta FC match if applicable. All U.S. Open Cup matches will be streamed live on ESPN+.

The Battery took three points Saturday night with a 3-1 home win against Nashville SC at MUSC Health Stadium.

Jarad van Schaik opened the scoring fifteen minutes into the match with a beautiful goal, his first of the season. O’Brian Woodbine whipped in a cross from the right side looking for target man Arthur Bosua. The cross was behind the forward and bounced through the box to van Schaik who had a few yards of space to wind up for a shot. Van Schaik struck a sweet half volley that beat Matt Pickens high at the near post. “It feels good obviously, it’s been a while since I’ve scored,” said van Schaik. “The ball just kind of sat up and I tried to hit it hard and on frame.” Fourteen minutes later van Schaik would send in a cross that found Woodbine at the back post but the Jamaican defender couldn’t finish.

Arthur Bosua made his first start for the Battery in place of the injured Ian Svantesson and took full advantage of the opportunity. He scored his first goal to double the Battery lead in the 64th minute. Kotaro Higashi provided the assist playing a brilliant pass to Bosua who made a strong run between the Nashville defenders and slotted home a shot from six yards out. “I’m so happy to get my first goal in front of an amazing crowd,” said Bosua. “It was great vision from Kotaro and I’m glad I was able to finish it.”

Jarad van Schaik finished off the scoring for the Battery with a sublime free kick in the 73rd minute. A strong shot rattled the bottom side of the crossbar and bounced over the line before coming back out into play. Bosua would head home the rebound for good measure but the goal was ultimately awarded to van Schaik.

Nashville would score late through a Daniel Rios penalty, his fifth goal of the season. “You gotta commend our guys tonight,” said coach Anhaeuser after the match. “They are so dangerous in attack and we did a great job of containing them tonight.” The win puts the Battery in 6th place in the Eastern Conference standings and tied on points with rivals North Carolina FC.

The Battery are back on the road next week as they take on Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park on April 27th at 8:00 PM.

BOXSCORE

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Bolt, Mueller, Archer (Nelson 18’), Woodbine (assist 15’, YC 57’), Lewis (Rittmeyer 72’), Candela (YC 77’), van Schaik (goal 15’, 73′), Anunga, Higashi (assist 64’), Bosua (Daley 74’)

Substitutes: Breno, Nelson, Rittmeyer, Marini, Kelly, Mason, Daley

NASHVILLE: Pickens, Davis, Doyle, Moloto (Winn 67’), Belmar (Lancaster 74’), Hume (Mensah 67’), Rios, Reed (YC 45+2’), LaGrassa, King (YC 67’), Bourgeois (YC 38’)

Substitutes: Sparrow, Mensah, Tribbett, Lancaster, Winn, Kimura, Akinyode

The Charleston Battery look to bounce back after a 3-1 away defeat to Bethlehem Steel FC this Saturday at 7:30 PM against Nashville SC at MUSC Health Stadium.

It’s a welcome return home for the Battery who have picked up two wins in three home matches this season and hold one of the best home records in the league dating back to the beginning of the 2018 season (12-2-6). “You test yourself as a team, you turn around and you put the loss behind you,” said coach Anhaeuser about the Bethlehem Steel FC match after Friday’s training, “we’re playing at home, training has been great all week, and we’re excited to get back out in front of the home fans.”

Led by forward’s Ian Svantesson and Zeiko Lewis, the Battery have enjoyed consistent attacking play scoring at least one goal in every match this season. The Black and Yellow have managed to score multiple goals in two of three home matches and will look to continue their positive play Saturday night.

Nashville SC head to Charleston for the first match of a three-week road stretch that includes trips to Pittsburgh and Atlanta. Nashville currently sits 4th in the Eastern Conference table with 12 points and a +6 goal differential.

Nashville have won 3 of their last 5 matches including two straight shutout wins over Memphis 901 FC (2-0) and Ottawa Fury FC (3-0). The Nashville backline has gone 215 minutes without conceding and take aim at a club record of 309 minutes without allowing a goal. “The backline has been very reliable,” said head coach Gary Smith, “that includes Matt [Pickens] and Connor [Sparrow]. We want to be tough to beat.”

While defense has been the foundation of Nashville’s success this season the offense has started to find it’s scoring form in the last few weeks. Nashville’s attack is led by forward Daniel Rios who has scored four goals in five games, notching a brace against Ottawa and is tied for second in goals scored in the Eastern Conference.

The match will be broadcast on MyTvCharleston and streamed live on ESPN+. The Battery’s next match will be on April 27th against Memphis 901 FC at AutoZone Park.

Series/Recent History

Charleston and Nashville played twice in 2018. Both matches finished in 1-1 draws.

May 26th, 2018 – MUSC Health Stadium, CHS 1 (Guerra 50’) NSH 1 (Doyle 25’)

September 22nd, 2018 – First Tennessee Park, NSH 1 (Hume 9’) CHS 1 (Anunga 24’)

Charleston Battery: USL Championship Record, 2-1-2 (Home: 2-0-1)

Team Leaders

Goals: Svantesson (3)

Assists: Lewis, Piggott, Woodbine (1)

Chances Created: Lewis (11)

Saves: Kuzminsky (9)

Clean Sheets: Kuzminsky (1)

Nashville SC: USL Championship Record, 3-1-1 (Away: 1-0-1)

Team Leaders

Goals: Daniel Rios (4)

Assists: Moloto (2)

Chances Created: Moloto (9)

Saves: Pickens (6)

Clean Sheets: Pickens (2)

The Battery suffered their first defeat of the 2019 USL Championship season to Bethlehem Steel FC 3-1 on Saturday night at Talen Energy Stadium. It marks the first win for Bethlehem over the Battery since entering the league in 2016.

Bethlehem opened the match with a number of quick attacks forcing the Battery to defend early and often. The Philadelphia Union affiliate had opportunities to score but were unable to find the finishing touch. A counter in the fifth minute of play would see the best chance for the Battery in the first half. Zeiko Lewis’ free kick, aimed at the back post, found midfielder Jarad van Schaik who popped the ball across the box to an open Nico Rittmeyer who couldn’t find the back of the net.

Bethlehem Steel would continue to pressure the Battery defense ultimately leading to a late first-half goal from Kacper Przybylko. A Bethlehem cross found the feet of Zach Zandi inside the six-yard box and the midfielder played Przybylko open near the penalty spot. Przybylko proceeded to finish with ease to put his side up 1-0 going into the break.

The first half proved to be a physical one seeing a total of seventeen fouls between the two sides. Ian Svantesson was forced off in the 16th minute after a collision with a Bethlehem defender and was officially substituted out a minute later. Charleston seemed to be out of sync having lost their top goal scorer and struggled to produce quality chances for the rest of the half.

Bethlehem would double their lead in the 66th minute through a Fabinho penalty but the Battery would respond with a goal of their own two minutes later. Tah Brain Anunga scored his first goal of the season off a sweetly struck volley following a poor clearance from the Bethlehem defense. Trailing by one, the Battery pushed numbers forward for a corner following Anunga’s goal. Nothing came of the chance and Przybylko latched on to a long pass out of the back and was in behind the Battery defense. He carried the ball from midfield into the eighteen where he finished a one on one with keeper Joe Kuzminsky.

The Battery will look to rebound following the loss on April 20th against Nashville SC. It’s 90’s Night at MUSC Health Stadium which includes $9 tickets, a vintage car show, the best hits of the 90’s, and post-match fireworks! Tickets can be purchased at tickets.https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com or by calling (843) 971-GOAL.

BOXSCORE

BETHLEHEM: Carlos, Rayyan, Turner (YC 90+1’), Ofeimu, Fabinho (PEN 67’, YC 80’, Cortes 83’), Willis, Chambers, Ngalina, Zandi (Assist 44’), Przybylko (Goal 44, 71’, Borgelin 72’), Faris (Diaz 87’)

Substitutes: Shakes, Diaz, Kingue, Cortes, de Vries, Borgelin

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Woodbine, Mueller, Archer, Paterson (Piggott 76’), Anunga, Kelly (YC 42’ Marini 83’), Rittmeyer, Lewis, van Schaik, Svantesson (Bosua 16’)

Substitutes: Breno, Nelson, Candela, Marini, Piggott, Higashi, Bosua

The Battery are on the road this weekend at Talen Energy Stadium on April 13th at 7:30 PM. The two sides picked up wins in their previous matches and will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday night.

The Battery took three points at home in a 2-0 win against Charlotte Independence last Sunday in Week 5 of USL Championship play. It was the second consecutive week that Southern Derby Cup points were up for grabs and the Battery win puts them in the driver seat for the trophy.

Ian Svantesson was on the scoresheet once again for the Battery putting the hosts up 1-0 in the 21st minute of play. The chance was created by Romario Piggott who’s low hard shot was initially blocked by a Charlotte defender. Svantesson latched onto the loose ball and slipped the shot past the keeper. The Swedish forward has three goals on the young season and continues to be a consistent attacking threat for the Battery.

The Battery would double their lead in the second half thanks to a brilliant goal from forward Zeiko Lewis. Following an O’Brian Woodbine throw, Lewis found himself with a few yards of space at the edge of the box and curled in a shot that found the top corner of the net. Lewis’ effort was named USL Goal of the Week and is a glimpse of things to come this season from the Bermuda international.

Bethlehem Steel FC are flying high after a thrilling 4-3 away win over Swope Park Rangers last Saturday. Bethlehem would concede the first goal of the match in the 19th minute but would level the scoring eight minutes later through a Pemi Moumbagna goal. Swope Park would score a late first-half goal to take a 2-1 lead into the half.

The second half would provide fireworks beginning with a Ngom Mbekeli goal, his second of the match, to put Swope Park up 3-1 in the 57th minute. A 73rd-minute Ofeimu goal would cut the lead and a Swope Park own goal would even the scoring five minutes later. Sergio Santos, who came on in the 60th minute, would be the hero for Bethlehem scoring late in stoppage time to complete the comeback.

What to Watch For…

Dominant Defense. The Battery posted their first shutout of the season led by defenders Taylor Mueller and Leland Archer. The black and yellow boasted one of the best defensive records in the USL Championship in 2018 and have only allowed three goals through four matches in 2019. Joe Kuzminsky made a number of key saves in the win over Charlotte which included a one on one stop against Charlotte’s Dominic Oduro. A road win, and shutout, against Bethlehem this weekend would do wonders for the club’s confidence as they look to improve on their impressive 2018 defensive record.

Home Field Advantage? Bethlehem Steel FC will be hungry for their first home win of the season as they adjust to playing their matches at Talen Energy Stadium after moving from Goodman Stadium following the 2018 season. Bethlehem was held scoreless in their first two home matches of the season and have preferred life on the road scoring six away goals in two matches. Bethlehem picked up their first home point of the season against Pittsburgh on March 30th in a 2-2 draw.

Bethlehem Steel FC: USL Championship Record, 2-2-1 (Home: 0-2-1)

Team Leaders

Goals: Pemi Moumbagna (2)

Assists: Chambers, Ofeimu, Rayyan, Real, Zandi (1)

Chances Created: Chambers (7)

Saves: Carlos (13)

Clean Sheets: Freese (1)  

Charleston Battery: USL Championship Record, 2-0-2 (Away: 0-0-1)

Team Leaders

Goals: Svantesson (3)

Assists: Lewis, Piggott, Woodbine (1)

Chances Created: Lewis (7)

Saves: Kuzminsky (9)

Clean Sheets: Kuzminsky (1)

The Battery return home to face Nashville SC on April 20th for 90’s Night at MUSC Health Stadium. Celebrate the 90’s with $9 tickets, a vintage car show, the best hits of the 90’s, and postmatch fireworks! Tickets can be purchased here or by calling (843) 971-GOAL!

Zeiko Lewis has won Goal of the Week honors following his latest goal against Charlotte Independence on April 7th.

Lewis has been in exceptional form for both club and country after making his debut with the Battery against Hartford Athletic on March 16th. He opened his scoring account after just 17 minutes helping the Battery to their first win of the season.

A week later, Lewis would lead the Bermuda National Team to a 3-1 win against the Dominican Republic recording a goal and an assist in the contest.  With the win, Bermuda qualified for the 2019 Gold Cup for the first time in the country’s history.

Lewis has registered one goal and one assist over the last two matches which include his Week 5 GOTW. Lewis and the Battery are back at MUSC Health Stadium on April 20th at 7:30 PM to take on Nashville SC! It’s 90’s Night with $9 tickets, a vintage car show, and post-match fireworks!

Tickets are available for purchase at tickets.https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com or by calling (843) 971-GOAL!

Battery defender Leland Archer has been named to the USL Team of the Week following the Battery’s 2-0 win over Charlotte Independence this past Sunday.

Archer played a pivotal role in the shutout win making nine clearances and winning seven duels. The former College of Charleston standout tallied two interceptions and six recoveries on the day on his way to Man of the Match honors.

The Team of the Week honor is the first of Archer’s career joining teammate Zeiko Lewis who was awarded a reserve role in the Week 2 Team of the Week.

The Battery are on the road this weekend against Bethlehem Steel FC and return home on April 20th to face Nashville SC for 90’s night which includes $9 tickets, a vintage car show, the best 90’s music, and fireworks after the match!

Tickets are available for purchase at tickets.https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com or by calling (843) 971-GOAL.

The Charleston Battery defeated the Charlotte Independence 2-0 Sunday afternoon in the second straight Southern Derby Cup match for the Battery.

Ian Svantesson scored his third goal of the season to put the Battery up 1-0 in the 21st minute. It’s his third goal in four matches this season as the Swedish forward looks ahead to a double-digit scoring season. Forward Romario Piggott created the chance at the edge of the box as he danced around two Charlotte defenders before getting off a low shot into traffic. The ball took a favorable bounce forward and Svantesson pulled a defender with him in lunging to the ball. Svantesson got just enough on it to slip it past the goalkeeper for the first goal of the match.

Zeiko Lewis sealed the win for the Battery in the 71st minute. The play started from the touch line and an O’Brian Woodbine throw in would lead to the goal. Lewis controlled the throw nicely holding off a Charlotte defender before using his quickness to create space at the top of the box. The Bermuda forward hit a brilliant curling shot from 16 yards out that found the top corner of the goal.

The forward pair have been directly involved in five of the six Battery goals this season and are becoming a dangerous attacking duo. “What are they at right now? Two and three goals already? They are both capable of scoring ten-plus goals this season”, said coach Mike Anhaeuser after the match.

The Battery picked up their first shutout of the season led by goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky, and center backs Taylor Mueller and Leland Archer. The shutout win comes a week after the Battery conceded a late goal in stoppage time to North Carolina FC in Cary. “It feels great to get the shutout and Joe deserves the clean sheet. We felt like we’ve been robbed the past few weeks with the late goal against North Carolina and the late penalty against Hartford”, Mueller said after the match. “I was proud of how organized we stayed after the first goal, it’s a rivalry game and I’m very proud of the guys.”

The Battery will travel to Pennsylvania next week to take on Bethlehem Steel FC before returning home to take on Nashville SC on April 20th. Tickets are available for purchase at tickets.https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com or by calling (843) 971-GOAL.   

BOXSCORE

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Bolt (Kelly 81’), Archer, Mueller, Woodbine (Assist 71’), van Schaik, Candela, Higashi, Lewis (Goal 71’), Piggott, Svantesson (Goal 21’, Bosua 61’)

Substitutes: Breno, Bosua, Rittmeyer, Kelly, Marini, Mason, Paterson, Nelson

CHARLOTTE: Miller, Roberts, Gutman, Maund (Thicot 72’), Johnson, Areman (Mansally62’), George, Hill (YC 27’), Oduro, E. Martinez (YC 18’), A. Martinez (Taku 55’)

Substitutes: Anderson, Thicot, Taku, Mansally, Kivutuka