Catching up with the Battery

Let's face it.  July was a pretty rough month for the Charleston Battery.  Out of a possible eighteen points from six matches, the Black and Yellow brought home only three.  The victory over Wilmington marks the only bright spot in a rather grim period for our boys.  As things went from bad to worse, at the end of the month the Battery's exhibition with Nottingham Forrest was cancelled because of a management shift across the pond.  Unfortunately, the negative trend continued into August as Charleston drew and then dropped their next two matches.  The results are as follows (match reports linked with each score-line) :

7/1/2012		@ Antigua Barracuda FC	L 0-1
7/6/2012		Charlotte Eagles	L 0-2
7/7/2012		@ Charlotte Eagles	L 0-1
7/14/2012		Wilmington Hammerheads	W 3-1
7/19/2012		Orlando City	L 1-2
7/27/2012		@ Orlando City	L 0-4
8/3/2012		Wilmington Hammerheads	D 2-2
8/4/2012		@ Wilmington Hammerheads	L 1-2
8/8/2012		@ Harrisburg City Islanders	L 0-3

Yep, there it is...silver lining!!

While all this leaves fans with little to cheer about, we may have just seen our silver lining.  In their last outing, the Battery tanked the Rochester Rhinos four-to-nil in New York.  Tony Donatelli led the charge with two goals and an assist, effectively ripping his former club a new one while earning USLPRO player of the week honors at the same time!!

The win awards Charleston with a playoff berth, but seeding will depend on the final week's results.  The Battery can still secure second place with win and a Rochester loss/draw.  That would give Charleston a bye to the league semi-finals.  Even if things don't go our way, we've still made the playoffs.  I'm already anxious to see who we'll draw.

But first things first, we've one match to play in the regular season.  Charleston host the Dayton Dutch Lions Saturday evening in our season finale.  While the Lions will be playing for pride, much more is at  stake for the Battery.  Contention for the final three playoff spots is incredibly tight as Richmond, Wilmington, Charlotte, Harrisburg, and Los Angeles are all still in the running.  With a win, we're practically guaranteed to host our playoff match(es).  A draw or loss opens the door for other teams to overtake Charleston in the standings.  We have a good record against Dayton and defeated them 1-0 back in June.  With so much at stake and so much uncertainty in the table this year's playoffs may prove our most exciting yet!

COME ON BATTERY!!!  Cage the Lions, then on to the postseason!!!

(photo credit: chas battery website)

Midseason Slump...Charlotte 1-0 Charleston

The Charleston Battery broke the wrong kind of record Saturday night, losing two consecutive games to the Charlotte Eagles for the first time in club history.  I'd love to say we were outmatched and outplayed but I'd be lying.  The Battery controlled the match and outshot their opponents by an impressive margin.  However, Charlotte capitalized every opportunity on goal, hitting the net first and the goalpost twice before full time.

Dane Kelly boasted what might have been Charleston's best chance after only three minutes of play.  Finding space in the final third, the pacey Jamaican striker ripped his shot a foot wide of the far post.  It wasn't long before his second attempt, a shot that dipped just over the crossbar.  Charleston continued to build on the early pressure and saw several shots swing ever so slightly off target.  In spite of the Battery assault, the Eagles conjured a stinging counterattack in the 36th minute as Charlotte's D. Roberts lifted a brilliant volley into the side netting, burning Charleston's last defender and putting the hosts in front.  Responding with pluck, Charleston pressed forward again but were unable to dent the lead before halftime.

The second period was much like the first, the only difference being a multitude of shots on goal.  The Lowcountry Boys exploded out of the break and forced save after save from Charlotte's Eric Reed.  The Eagle's were content to hold a tight defense and continue their counterattacking forays.  Jorge Herrera was sharp for the home side, nearly scoring on three opportunities.  The long-time Charlotte man hit the woodwork twice and came close to scoring with another effort as well.  Try as they might, the Battery were unable find the equalizer.  Nicki Paterson claimed the best effort in the second half with a rocketing free kick only inches off the mark.  The Scotsman also saw a powerful shot driven squarely into the keeper's hands in the closing stages of the fixture.  Bundu and Williams came on for the Battery and combined nicely to add speed and fervor to the Battery attack.  Bundu received a warm welcome from the Charlotte faithful but the former Eagle's frontman went straight to work, pestering his former club.  Bundu has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and before long found himself hauled down inside the penalty box.  However, Charleston's appeal for foulplay fell upon deaf ears.  Jose Cuevas also entered the game from the bench to leave his mark on the match.  Fatigue from Friday's match in Charleston became evident and the Battery began to look a little leggy.  The Eagle's reasserted themselves, sparking dangerous runs in the final minutes, nearly doubling their lead on more than one occasion.  As the clock wound down, the Battery were simply out of chances and out of luck.  At the end of a hard fought game, Charlotte's lone goal was enough to separate the two, leaving Charleston empty handed, having bested their rivals twice in as many nights, carrying three goals, six points, and a daunting lead in the Southern Derby.

Having lost three on the trot, Charleston need to snap out of it...and fast.  With double losses to Charlotte and last Sunday's reverse in Antigua, the Battery have slipped to third place in the USLPRO standings.  They now sit one point behind Rochester and only five points ahead of Wilmington.  Speaking of the Hammerheads, they're coming to town next week.  A win here would be the perfect chance to right the ship and end our midseason slide.  Its important to remember that in all three losses, the Battery have performed well and even controlled the possession and run of play.  However, our opponents have improved since the outset of the season and with goals no longer coming by the bucketful, we must make our shots count and polish up that finishing ball.  All is not lost, but there's plenty of work to do if we want to stay in the title hunt.  Heads high boys and UP THE BATTERY!!!!

And Then There Were Four, USOC Quarterfinal Round

San Jose Earthquakes 0-1 Seattle Sounders

The fiery match-up between these west coast rivals began with a bang but things turned sour as the match wore on.  Cordello Cato, a former Quakes trialist, was Seattle's lone goal hero of the evening.  The Trinidadian knocked in his first goal as a Sounder, scoring from a difficult angle by slipping the ball between Bingham's boots in the 19th minute.  San Jose are practically the comeback kings of the MLS and the Supporter's Shield leaders switched on to recovery mode.  Despite throwing everything forward, including the talismanic Chris Wondolowski, Seattle's stubborn defense, led by would-be Earthquake GK Andrew Weber, refused to yield.  Things got nasty in the final stages of the game when San Jose's Alan Gordon was ejected in stoppage time. The Sounder's Eddie Johnson threw a punch after the whistle and the host from up the coast were forced to wait at midfield to be escorted off the pitch by security detail in a scene uncommon to and unbecoming the American game.

Philadelphia Union 5-2 Harrisburg City Islanders
Defensive miscues buried the Islanders early on, and despite some second half splendor, the hole they'd dug was too deep to crawl out of.  Sapped by a weekend road trip to Orlando City and Charleston, Harrisburg simply ran out of magic and ran out of steam.  Surrendering a PK by means of a handball in the 6th minute, Harrisburg gifted Freddy Adu and the Union with an early lead.  Three minutes later, an errant headed ball was gobbled up and struck home by Philly.  With half an hour gone, the Union's Pajoy torched the Islander's defense leaving the hosts three goals to the good.  Refusing to throw in the towel, Harrisburg mustered two goals in as many minutes shortly after the restart.  And while the lightning strike goals were impressive, giving up another PK in the second half all but scuttled their hopes of an upset.  Another Union goal in the 81st tacked the final nail in the coffin as Philadelphia handily polished off their USLPRO affiliate.

Sporting Kansas City 3-0 Dayton Dutch Lions
Sporting will look for a double dose of vengeance when they face the Union in the Cup Semis on July 11.  Philadelphia recently treated KC to their worst league result of the year, an embarrassing 4-0 loss.  And last year, Kansas City was ousted from the Open Cup by USLPRO's Richmond Kickers in a 2-0 shock defeat at home.  Finding redemption by dismissing the compliant Dutch Lions, Sporting strolled as a Sapong brace and Zusi strike proved more than enough to advance.  The Semifinal tie with the Union should be a rather lively encounter.

Chivas USA 2-1 Charlotte Eagles
On the heels of their recent conquest of the Lonestar state, the Eagles were looking to prolong their historic cup run.  And after twenty minutes, Charlotte were dominating the Chivas as the Eagle's Jorge Herrera and Mark Bloom tested former Battery keeper Tim Melia.  At the close of the first half, the Chivas had wrested a touch of momentum from the visitors and they would cash in on that momentum shortly after the break.  At 64 minutes, Jose Correa netted for the Chivas and the Goats would ride the slim lead nearly to the end of the match.  In the 89th minute, Herrera forced the issue by slamming a powerful shot.  His shot ricocheted off James Riley and was pounded home but Charlotte's Maricio Salles.  The match looked destined for another dramatic extra time finish, but the official was rather generous with his allowance of extra time and Correa headed in the winner from a free kick to vanquish the Eagles deep into extra time.

Open Cup Update: Fourth Round Recap

Another exhilarating installment in this year's Open Cup drama saw half of the fourth round fixtures finish in extra time, and three of the eight games were decided by late penalties.  At this stage in the tournament, there were some predictable results but a record three lower division teams (all USLPRO) have made it into the quarterfinals.  Here are the latest results from the Cup:

Chivas USA 2-1 Carolina Railhawks
The Railhawks were brought to earth in heartbreaking fashion, losing the match to a penalty decision deep into stoppage time.  This game was strangely similar to Carolina's encounter with the Galaxy last week.  The Goats held nothing back, fielding a strong first team and the result was a goal in the 31st.  The Railhawks looked more confident after the break and after an impressive attacking burst found their equalizer with eleven minutes in regulation.  It seemed overtime was in the cards, but a handball decision was called in favor of the Chivas and Juan Pablo Angel buried the PK to end the fixture in stunning fashion.

The Chivas will host the advancing Charlotte Eagles June 26th at the Home Depot Center.

Charlotte Eagles 2-1 San Antonio Scorpions

                       (Final after Extra Time)

The Eagles are officially 'Kings of Texas' after routing three different opponents in their Open Cup tour of the Lone Star State, as Charlotte continue their impressive run in the tournament.  Their latest victims, the NASL's San Antonio Scorpions, were finally beaten with a penalty kick at the end of extra time.  Charlotte asserted their dominance early, making the most of their chances and netting in the 28th  minute.  However, a flagging Scorpions unit clawed their way back into the match, scoring a goal with a quarter hour left on the clock.  San Antonio had chances in extra time, but a handball in the box brought things to a bitter end for the hosts.  

The Eagles have conjured their best cup run to date, defeating the El Paso Patriots, FC Dallas, and now the Scorpions.  The win earns Charlotte a draw with Chivas USA at the HDC.  Interestingly enough, their second best OC performance, in 2005, was a win at El Paso and then an hotly contested 3-2 overtime loss to the Chivas.  

New York Red Bulls 1-3 Harrisburg City Islanders
                       (Final after Extra Time)
Harrisburg scored early in the 13th minute against the run of play.  However, it was New York who bossed the match, owning nearly every minute of regulation.  A heavy spell of pressure after the restart gave the Red Bulls a goal in the 59th.  The game proceeded to extra time and Harrisburg found the net almost immediately in the 94th.  The Islanders were then subjected to a New York onslaught but held on and even bagged one more goal just before extra time ended.

Harrisburg move on to face the Philadelphia Union in the Quarterfinals.  Oddly enough, the Islanders will have a chance to feel out their opponent in an exhibition match with their MLS affiliate on June 12 before their Open Cup date two weeks later.

Philadelphia Union 2-1 DC United
                       (Final after Extra Time)
In a lively tangle between the two Eastern Conference foes, Philly got the better of United but needed extra time to do so.  Both teams scored in first half stoppage time, the Union notching the first goal and DC responding hardly a minute later.  The match was a scrappy one and there were send-offs for each side in the extra period.  But more importantly, there was a Philadelphia goal that came just after that extra time started.

Dayton Dutch Lions 2-1 Michigan Bucks
                       (Final after Extra Time)
For a team with little to no league success, the Dayton Dutch Lions are making Open Cup history.  Coming off a massive win against the Columbus Crew, the Lions advanced with a dramatic victory, visiting the PDL's Michigan Bucks.  Unfortunately for the Bucks, it will be remembered as a match they "could have won", as they dominated play but failed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.  Dayton struck first in the 13th and the teams continued to exchange shots in minor skirmishes.  Michigan leveled the game just after half time, but could not find the game winner.  Despite an audacious surge by the Bucks in extra time, they conceded a penalty and Dayton's Joel DeLass stamped the Lions ticket to the next round.

The Dutch Lions will challenge Sporting KC at LiveStrong Park in the Quarterfinals.

Colorado Rapids 0-2 Sporting Kansas City
Sporting were the beneficiaries of a Colorado own goal in the 29th minute.  A free quick took a turn off the keeper, then the post, then keeper again on its way into the net.  A CJ Sapong header put the game beyond doubt in the 79th minute.

Cal FC 0-5 Seattle Sounders
Crushing the dreams of the would-be Cinderella Cal FC, the Sounders thrashed their opponents with a torrent of five goals in a twenty minute span.  To their credit, the visitors kept Seattle at bay for the entirety of the first half, but the floodgates were opened shortly after the break.  As in the Silverback's fixture, Alonso led the way, scoring from the spot in the 50th.  Freddy Montero delivered a brace and Andy Rose found the net again in the 65th minute.  Combining once more with Caskey, Alsonso bookended the scoring with a brace of his own, thus completing Cal's epic Open Cup run.

Minnesota Stars FC 0-1 San Jose Earthquakes
It took them eighty-five minutes to do so, but the Quakes finally managed to unlock a stubborn Minnesota defense.  Still relishing the footballing lesson they delivered to RSL a week before, the Stars engaged San Jose with confidence.  They opted to play defensively, coming out of their shell on incisive counterattack runs.  And although the Stars did shine, Lenhart's late goal was just enough to sink the NASL squad.

Rhinos Rob Blistering Battery, Charleston 0-1 Rochester

The Charleston Battery were defeated 0-1 in Saturday's match against the Rochester Rhinos at Blackbaud Stadium.  Ironically, the crowd of nearly 4,000 were treated to Charleston's best offensive performance so far this season.  Mustering no fewer than twenty shots to the Rhinos two, Charleston truly commanded this match from start to finish.  Unfortunately, it didn't translate past the goalpost as Rochester's GK Kristian Nicht had the game of his life, registering ten saves thus prolonging the Rhinos perfect start to the 2012 season.  With six wins in six matches, having yet to concede a goal, Rochester sit atop the USLPRO table.  And as frustrating as the final score may be, it was a fantastic night for Charleston and an even better night for the charities benefitted by the Battery's 'Kick for the Cure' pink promotions.  But lets get on to the match:

Boyd bests former Battery mid Mike Zaher
source: charleston battery facebook

Sallieu Bundu nearly had the hosts in front after only six minutes.  With a penetrating drive into Rochester's final third, the talented frontman produced a quick, tidy strike seemingly out of thin air.  Despite the skill, Bundu's effort towards the lower right corner was saved by Nicht, the first of many on the evening.  The Battery demonstrated some resolute defending early on and although our passing was less than crisp at the outset, it improved as the evening wore on.  Donatelli posted a strong shot on frame in the eleventh minute, initiating an intense spell of offensive pressure from Charleston.  Nicki Patterson managed a shot from about twenty yards with service from a short corner.  Once denied, Patterson claimed the ensuing corner; a good cross but Kyle Hoffer's header was soon smothered.  Navion Boyd had an impressive game in his first start for the Battery, and did well to set up Jose Cuevas for a roaring shot in the eighteenth minute.

Charleston continued to hold possession and momentum while the Rhinos were content to leave eleven men behind the ball defending.  In the twenty-second, Boyd conjured some brilliant work in the box allowing a superb strike by Patterson.  Five minutes later, Boyd would take a crack himself but watched his shot from distance drift just over the bar.  Thirty-three minutes on, Charleston received another corner and Sanyang managed a volley that was desperately saved just off the line.  Donatelli popped another one just wide in the resulting play as Charleston relentlessly pushed for the opening goal.

Play began to open up a bit and former Charleston midfielder Mike Zaher saw an effort slip wide of the mark in the thirty-fifth minute.  At this stage of the game, it had been Rochester's only half-chance on goal.  Just before the break, Cuevas and Boyd both saw shots fly wide right of the post, as Charleston were unlucky to have so many chances and none of them netted.


Shortly after the restart Bundu was dragged down in the box.  The big striker seemed to suffer innumerable fouls the entire match with the worst part being that the majority of them went uncalled.  Charleston picked up where they left off, resuming the pressure as Patterson sent another fine distance strike just over the bar.  The Battery had a good opportunity with a free kick, but it quickly turned into counter-attack from Rochester.  Charleston handled the fast break, but the defense was left a bit too loose after the Rhinos first attempt.  Danny Earls picked his spot and punished the moment of weakness, leaving Dykstra unable to stop the shot.  Just like that, with only the single effort on goal, the Rhinos had taken the lead and for all their moxie, the Low Country Boys were left empty handed.

Responding immediately, Donatelli ripped a nasty shot right after the restart, forcing a point-blank save and a scramble inside the box.  Two minutes later, John Wilson, in the form of his life and thriving in the his new role at left back, tried his luck from a good ways out.  Around seventy minutes, Bundu was deliberately hauled down by the ear but it took some convincing before the ref even signaled the foul.  Cuevas made the most of the free kick, but coming to nothing, a rattled Boyd made way for Ryan Richter.

Rochester began to show signs of fatigue from facing Charlotte Friday then repelling a live-wire Battery offense.  Their defense resorted to ugly half-tackles with almost no repercussions from the officiating staff.  With fifteen minutes to play, Coach Anhauser opted to beef up the attack, swapping Taylor Mueller for Dane Kelly, leaving three at the back.  Charleston continued to press and moments later Zach Prince came on for Donatelli.  Wilson led the charge, repeatedly stealing down the flank and poking in crosses.  Sanyang had a header on target in the eighty-first, but Nicht was where he'd been all night: squarely in front of the ball.  Kelly was felled in the box with an apparent elbow to the face, but incident was hastily overlooked.  The Battery soon won another pair of corners, totaling eleven on the night, but Prince posted a pair of misses, leaving Charleston a goal to the ill with only minutes to spare.  In stoppage time Patterson managed another dangerous strike from a free kick just outside the area and Bundu leveled a beautiful bicycle a minute later, but his shot was just wide.  The Battery would have one more corner with a headed shot on goal, but it was not to be as the final whistle shortly followed.  

This is the first time this year Charleston's potent offense have been kept off the scoresheet and considering the circumstances it was no small achievement.  Accordingly, Kristian Nicht earned USLPRO player of the week honors for his spectacular  performance.  While the outcome of the match would've been likely unchanged, this is the second match this year in which I've been dissappointed with the officiating.  I can certainly understand leniency in calling the game and of course the purist would want play stopped rarely, if at all.  But there comes a point in the run of play, when players realize what they can get away with, and it is then official has lost authority over the match.  That's when someone may be seriously hurt.  Of course the loss is demoralizing, but particularly so since Charleston played so well.  But hold your heads high boys, you delivered a fantastic night of football and the results will come.  The Battery have the week off ahead of next week's Open Cup match Tuesday at the 'Baud.  We've drawn the PDL side Reading United AC and I'll have plenty of Open Cup coverage in the next several posts.  As always, UP THE BATTERY!!!

Battery Ground Eagles, Charlotte 0-3 Charleston

Three goals.  Three points.

The Battery earned another fantastic result Tuesday night, throttling the Charlotte Eagles three goals to nil.  And while the attendance was rather small, the action was far from lacking.  Charleston was well represented by a host of traveling fans and the boys did their part by putting on a good show.

It was all business from the outset, with both teams pushing hard in the opening stages.  Bundu had several good opportunities and remained a threat throughout the match.  Soon after the game found its rhythm, the Battery found the opening goal.  Jose Cuevas delivered in a bending cross to an awaiting Donatelli.  The midfielder headed the ball on frame, slanting across the keeper to score from the back post in the twenty third minute.  Charleston finished off a fine first half offensively with an impressive effort from Ryan Ritcher.  Springing the offside trap, he diced the Eagles' backline and fired past Charlotte GK Eric Reed just before the half.

The second forty-five looked very different and Charlotte looked intent on finding the net.  The Battery defense weathered a tough storm and deterred the Eagle's assault time after time.  Captain Colin Falvey held the line and kept the Charlotte attack at bay.  As the game drew to a close, Charleston regained the upper hand.  The Eagles' attack eventually ran out of steam and Nicki Patterson led the Battery midfield in the quest for another goal.  Reapplying the pressure with fresh substitutes, Charleston found their third three minutes from time.  Ritcher fired another bullet from short range, but this time Reed managed to parry the shot...right into the path of JC Mack that is.  Needless to say, Mack polished off the opportunity leaving Charleston three goals to the good.

It was a complete performance by the Battery and while the three goal tally was impressive, equally impressive was our defensive stand against considerable pressure in the second half.  Charleston have a short break and return to action April 27th against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Blackbaud Stadium.  If they retain Tuesday's form, the Riverhounds will have their work cut out for them.  Another great result for the Black & Gold and a fine start to the new season!  Up the Battery!

Richmond's Revenge, Battery 1-2 Kickers

Having treated the Richmond Kickers to an opening day loss a week before, the Charleston Battery were dealt a similar hand Saturday evening in the second installment of the Pioneer Cup.  The big news coming from the midweek was the return of Andrew Dykstra on loan from DC United.  Dykstra played with the Battery for the 2011 season and will again play a vital role in the defense this year.   Its great to have Andrew back and I know his experience will be great for the two new keepers we recently signed.

The Battery controlled most of the match and gave all 4,729 fans plenty to cheer about.  Charleston struck first and it was Nicki Patterson who ripped open the net in the eighteenth minute.  Ryan Richter delivered up a square ball that allowed our resident Scot to one-touch the ball, burying the goal into the left corner of the net.

Despite the early lead, Richmond caught several breaks in the second half.  The Kickers were awarded a penalty for a foul in the box twenty minutes after the restart.  Stanley Nyazamba, who scored against the Battery a week ago, stepped up and converted the PK.  Then just as the game was ending, Richmond's Sacha Gorres took a pot-shot from a ways out.  The ball took a very unlucky bounce and ended up in the net.

Thats a really tough way to lose and its obvious that Coach Anhaeuser was disappointed with the final score.  And while a win or even draw would've been great, there's little time to mope.  The Battery head to Charlotte to face the Eagles at Winthrop's soccer complex this Tuesday.  With such a long history between the teams, this is always a great match and Charleston will be eager to return to winning ways.  The Regiment and several other Battery fans scattered across the state will be in attendance, so hopefully our boys will be well represented.  As always...Up the Battery!!!!

More Results, More Recruits!

With only days before the start of the USLPRO regular season, the Charleston Battery has been hard at work fine tuning the squad with preseason fixtures and player signings.  If you missed any news, here's all the latest:

Preseason Match Results

Coastal Carolina 0-1 Charleston Battery

In a midweek scrimmage at Myrtle Beach, the Battery outdid the likes of CCU winning one goal to nil.  Charleston scored just before halftime as Charlie Romero converted a corner kick from teammate Jose Cuevas.  The two have combined nicely several times throughout the preseason and look to be a feisty scoring tandem in the upcoming season.

Charleston Battery 0-2 Wilmington Hammerheads

The Low Country boys suffered a defeat against their derby foes from just up the road.  The Hammerheads struck early capitalizing on an early chance inside the six yard box.  Wilmington netted again in the second half with a deflection from a Battery defender.

Carolina Railhawks 0-1 Charleston Battery

One goal at the quarter-hour mark was enough to clip the wings of the Railhawks at WakeMed Stadium Thursday afternoon.  Midfielder Amadou Sanyang cleaned up a Cuevas corner to put Charleston ahead. The Battery survived a second half surge from the Hawks and our defense stood tall.  Kyle Hoffer managed a critical headed save to keep the Battery in front.  Coach Anhaeuser was very pleased with the squad's performance in their final preseason tangle, commenting on a solid backline as well as plenty of energy upfront.

New Player Signings:

Bundu at Blackbaud to stay

Sallieu Bundu
Coming from Sierra Leone, Bundu is a gifted striker with fantastic USL experience.  Debuting for the Cleveland City Stars in 2008, he scored the game winner in the USL-2 Championship match.   Moving up, Bundu joined the ranks of the Railhawks the following year.  After several years with the Hawks, he spent the past season on loan with the Charlotte Eagles.  Fleet of foot and smart in front of goal, Bundu will prove a valuable asset to the Battery's strike force.  Paired with the quickness of Dane Kelly, who knows how many goals the two will tally this year!


Alec Kann

Kann makes a save in the CCC

This goalkeeper comes to Charleston from Furman University.  A four year starter between the sticks, the lad looks a promising talent and good addition to the line-up.

Kevin Klasila
Another keeper fresh out of college, the LA native was picked up by Coach Anhaeuser at the Ventura County Fusion Combine earlier this year.  With an impressive trial in Charleston, Klasila's steady hands will add depth to a loaded Battery defense.  

Tony Donatelli
With a rich experience throughout the continent, Donatelli will bring a commanding presence to Charleston's midfield.  He is no stranger to trophies having won the '06 USL-1 title with the Vancouver Whitecaps.  Donatelli was traded after three years to the Montreal Impact, and subsequently led his team to victory, scoring as Montreal defeated his former club, the Whitecaps, in the '09 USL-1 Championship match.  Earning a call up from the San Jose Quakes in 2011, the Pennsylvania native eventually signed with the Rochester Rhinos.  With the departure of Mike Zaher (to the Rhinos, in fact) Donatelli will add composure and experience in the middle of the pitch.  

Donatelli in action for the Impact

Ryan Richter
Richter was drafted last year by the Philadelphia Union but made his professional debut for the Harrisburg City Islanders.  Featuring against the Battery last summer, the midfielder has since changed allegiances and joined Charleston.


Cody Ellison
Teammate of Jose Cuevas with the PDL's Fresno Fuego, Ellison joins the Battery midfield after impressing after an invitation to player trials.  

Goalfest Sees Battery Through to Playoffs!

Its playoff time!!!  The Charleston Battery ignited a near sellout crowd Friday night with an explosive season finale/playoff duel/derby match against the Charlotte Eagles.  The dramatic showdown was Fox Soccer Channel's USL Game of the Week, treating the tv audience to an exhibition of the best football America's lower division has to offer.  Finishing 4-3, the first of seven goals came in the 5th minute.

Charleston hit the ground running, knowing full well only a win would see them through to the postseason.  The Battery struck quickly as Dane Kelley ripped down the pitch with feverish pace.  Some cheeky misdirection allowed him to deliver the perfect layoff for Zach Price.  The Columbia native smashed home the opening goal as a stunned Charlotte was left to wonder what went wrong.  Less than two minutes later, the Battery pressed their advantage and it was Mike Zaher who ripped a volleyed shot into the far right corner of the net.  Patterson assisted the effort, and with seven minutes gone, Charleston had already scored their season's best goal tally.  After the goal, the Eagles met in a team huddle in a futile attempt to regain composure and stem the tide of the 'Assault & Battery'.  The Low Country Boys ran wild firing shot after shot, continuing to exploit the shell shocked Charlotte side.  In the 30th minute, Zaher notched his brace with a brilliant conversion, bending the ball goalwards after some clever footwork.  Defender Nigel Marples sent the through ball, opened the defense, and assisted the Battery to a 3-0 lead.  A momentary lapse gifted the Eagles a free kick in good position and Charlatan skipper Gorge Herrera rifled a shot that pinballed off the Battery defense and into the net with seconds remaining in stoppage time.  So ended the electric first half with the score 3-1, with the Battery licking their chops, hungry for the Derby win and trip to the postseason.  

Following some back and forth play at the restart, Charleston found the scoresheet again in the 61st minute.  A long ball from Sean Flatley was targeted by speedy Jamaican Dane Kelley who raced against a lonely Eric Reed, the Charlotte GK.  If the league has learned anything from Charleston this season, they know that Dane Kelley vs. GK's = goals.  The Battery were riding high with a three goal advantage and less than half an hour to play.  There would be more drama of course; the game would finish in pulse-pounding fashion.  A contented Charleston defense simply turned off with four minutes of stoppage time left to play allowing Charlotte to pull back two goals in as many minutes.  An infuriated Andrew Dykstra lambasted his backline and the Battery withstood the few nervy minutes remaining.  An ugly finish, but a win nonetheless.  In one memorable evening, the Charleston Battery had lifted the Southern Derby, pressed on into the postseason, delighted the boisterous home crowd, and impressed a national television audience.  The post-match fireworks were well deserved.

Well done boys and congrats on winning the Southern Derby!!  Since we landed the last playoff spot in our division, Saturday evening we travel back down to Orlando City to face the top-seeded Lions.  The other three USL playoff games will be played Friday night.  Although Orlando are perhaps the last team we'd want to meet in the playoffs, the good news is we know exactly what to expect.  We'll need to continue the high scoring form from last Friday, while tightening up the defense and keeping out those cheap goals.  Let's Go Battery!!  Time to tame the Lions and send them home early!!

Pair of Losses Leaves Postseason in Doubt

Wednesday evening the Battery locked horns with Orlando City at the Citrus Bowl. The match was the third meeting of four between the two sides this year. The Lions came on strong in the first half, scoring early in the 16th minute. Sloppy defending by the Charleston back line allowed the Orlando offense to open up and OC's Watson maximized on the opportunity. The Lions would continue to threaten but the Battery's Andrew Dykstra kept his team in the match. Registering no less than five saves, the GK had a tremendous night. Charleston saw their best opportunity in the 37th minute when the Battery were awarded a free kick. Armstrong bent the ball towards frame, his effort eluding the goalie, however the shot was cleared from the line at the last second. Charleston looked a different side in the second half of play, but for all their momentum, were unable to convert any goals. Charleston mounted a last ditch effort in stoppage time but Colin Falvey's header whizzed over the bar. Finishing 1-0, the Battery slipped further away from the fourth place playoff spot.

In a rematch of Wednesday's fixture, the Battery again confronted USL powerhouse Orlando City Saturday night. An uneventful first half was followed by a lengthy weather delay. The game turned gritty after the restart and Orlando were gifted a penalty kick in the 63rd minute. The Lions converted and tacked on another goal ten minutes later. Dane Kelley scored an impressive goal for the Battery in the 84th, receiving a neat back heel from Zach Prince. Charleston surged forward in the final minutes but were unable to overturn the deficit. Battery defender John Wilson was shown a red card in the final minute of regulation and will miss the final match of the season against the Charlotte Eagles.

Frustrating results for the Battery

The Battery are winless in five matches and these results leave Charleston one point behind Charlotte. This means we are currently OUT of playoff contention. Charlotte have a game in hand and should they win midweek against Harrisburg, it would end our season. A draw or loss against the City Islanders would mean Charleston could advance to the postseason with a win over the Eagles on Friday night. Either way, we've got to support the boys as they face Charlotte this weekend, battling for that last playoff spot and the Southern Derby.

Playoff Picture Gone Bad to Worse

The Charleston Battery's post-season hopes were dealt a serious blow by the Rochester Rhinos last Saturday evening.  A 1-0 loss with only three more games remaining in regular season play gives the Battery face an uphill climb with very little margin for error.

The match began in Charleston's favor as the home side had two good opportunities in the first half.  Nicki Patterson forced a saved from Rhino's GK Neal Kitson in the 7th minute with a forceful strike from long range.  Twenty minutes later, it was Kitson again who made a brilliant save responding to a venomous header from Dane Kelley.  The heat had begun to take a toll on the players and it became more evident in the second half.  An unimpressive twenty minutes from both sides was followed by the game winning goal in the 68th minute.  The Charleston defense reacted slowly to long throw in from Rochester.  This momentary lapse gave Rhino's Drew Cost just enough time to place a low ball past Dykstra and break the deadlock.  Charleston fought back, nearly drawing level a minute later but Kitson again denied Kelley, clearing the ball at the last second.  The Battery were dissatisfied and pressed the attack, almost finding the equalizer in stoppage time.  Seedy Bah unleashed an explosive shot but Kitson made sure he spoiled the celebration.  Easily the man of the match, Rochester's GK earned an impressive clean sheet with six saves against a hungry Battery attack.

A frustrating night at the 'Baud

Charlotte tied the Rhinos the night before; Richmond lost and Wilmington won their game.  With our loss to Rochester this leaves Charleston still one point behind the Kickers in fourth place.  Fourth place is enough to make the playoffs, however Charlotte are knocking on the door only three points adrift with a game in hand.  We face Orlando City at midweek and again on Saturday.  In our last meeting, we beat the Lions at Blackbaud.  But without giving them to much credit, the league leaders are coming off a win against EPL's Newcastle United having boasted a home crowd of over 10,000.  We may not have to win either game in Orlando to still make the postseason but we must stay above the Charlotte Eagles.  It looks like we may see an incredible high stakes season finale when we host the Eagles August 12th.  That match will determine which side lifts the Southern Derby as well as who advances to the playoff.  Stay tuned Battery faithful, it should be an exciting week!!

Charleston Prepare for Rochester

Tomorrow evening your Charleston Battery will face the Rochester Rhinos at Blackbaud.  The Rhinos are tied with Harrisburg for the lead of the National Division and have already booked a playoff spot.  Rochester has a long history with Charleston as both sides are among the oldest and most accomplished teams in the USL.  

John Wilson fends off the Rochester attack

As it stands, the Battery are looking to climb a few spots in the table.  Currently fourth in our division, Saturday's match may be the perfect opportunity for Charleston to take all three points.  Rochester faces the Charlotte Eagles tonight and combined with the warmer climate, these two games may be a stern test of their roster depth.  The Rhinos have never beaten the Charlotte Eagles and have not tasted victory at Blackbaud since July of 2005.  Only two players will be unavailable for Charleston:  Midfielders JC Mack (injury) and Evan Taylor (international duty).  Graham Dugoni has rejoined the squad and was featured in the midweek friendly against Portsmouth.  

It should be a great match!  Catch it on USLlive.com; kickoff is at 7:30.