Heinemann Lifts 'Caps in Canadian Cup

Passing quietly under the North American soccer radar, former Charleston Battery forward Tom Heinemann did some heavy lifting to push the Vancouver Whitecaps into the Amway Canadian Cup Final last week.  Toppling FC Edmonton in a two-leg semi, the Caps move on to battle Montreal for the Canadian title and a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Heinemann netted the game winning goal, deep into stoppage time as the first legged ended 3-2.  He was also heavily involved in the 'Caps productive offensive in the successive 2-0 win, proving instrumental in forcing an own goal.  Since his early career this personable striker has had a knack for being in the right place at the right time, and these days its earning him more minutes in Vancouver.  Combined with the goal scoring exploits of fellow USL product Cory Hertzog, the Whitecaps are becoming potent example of the talent USL athletes can bring to the table.

But don't take my word for it...see what the editors over at MSL Soccer had to say about Charleston's beloved "Wildman."  And you may wanna check out his game-winning goal while you're at it:





(photo credit: Whitecaps facebook)

Preseason Continues

With only days before the Carolina Challenge Cup, training camp is in full swing for the Charleston Battery.  Here's an inside look as the defending USL Pro Champs dust off the cobwebs and get set to play host to some talent rich MLS squads:WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

Remember, Charleston will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the second match on Saturday.  The 'Caps are captained by EPL legend Jay Demerit and Vancouver just recently signed former Battery striker Tom "Wildman" Heinemann.  And since Charleston has been paired with the Houston Dynamo for a few matches this season, it will be good have a look at our MLS competition.

In the meantime, have you been following the Disney Pro Soccer Classic??

So far, its been an excellent showcase of up-and-coming talent, with lively preseason matches between MLS, USL, and NASL teams.  All the games are being streamed live on MLSsoccer.com.

An incredibly sharp Columbus Crew steamrolled the Philadelphia Union 4-0 earlier this afternoon.  Philly fielded several USL vets called up from Harrisburg, but the Union were no match for the Finlay & Finley show as Dominic Oduro played his part in dismantling the opposition as well.

Can't catch the games live?  No problem, highlights and full replays of every match are right here.

Also, the Desert Diamond Cup kicks off tonight as the Seattle Sounders take on the New England Revs.  Look for former Arsenal back Mikael Silvestre to feature for Seattle since the Premier League vet was only just snatched up from the Portland Timbers training camp.

Not enough for your football fix?  I heard some tidbit about an epic Champions League match or something like that...but if that won't do ya, then you'll just have to wait til Saturday!

(And if for some reason you can't make it to the 'Baud, those games will be streamed live on UNATION!!)

Cheers!

An Emerald City Homecoming

Lamar Neagle will be suiting up with the Seattle Sounders for an unprecedented third time since his initial signing with the West-coast powerhouse.  I was surprised to discover only hours after publishing The Major League Connection that it had already become outdated!

The Washington native began his professional career with the Sounders in 2009 having come from UNLV's soccer program.  Joining the Charleston Battery in 2010, Neagle earned the USL-2 Golden Boot and League MVP while plying his trade in the Lowcountry.  The attacking midfielder spent time abroad, recording a successful spell with Finland's IFK Mariehamn before returning home to once again play with Seattle.

Neagle netted a few crucial goals for the Rave Green in 2011, scoring five goals and two assists while logging only 1,008 on-field minutes.  (Not to mention becoming only the second player in franchise history to bag a hat-trick!)  He also found the net in the playoffs, but was traded to expansion side Montreal Impact the following year.  The Cascadia-born footballer did well in the Impact's system, but was underutilized at best.

While Seattle's midfield department is bursting with talent, this hometown hero is a welcome addition to a promising Sounders squad.  Seattle boast the most vibrant supporters in Major League Soccer and I'm sure the Emerald City is ecstatic at the return of one of their own.



(photo credit: SC Soccer Blog)

Battery Standout Makes Name for Himself in MLS

There are good games.  There are great games.  And if you're lucky, you may happen to witness some dazzling jewel of a football spectacle.  Last Saturday at Centurylink Field in Seattle, there occurred such a match.  By the billing alone, it was destined to be an incredible 90 minutes as Eastern Conference leaders the Columbus Crew looked to upset the streaking Seattle Sounders, one of this season's west coast powerhouse sides.  History was not in Columbus's favor and by the end of the afternoon, fans and pundits alike would be overawed with the glut of goals and shattered records.

Things began quickly for the hosts as the former Charleston Battery striker and USL-2 League MVP Lamar Neagle made the most of a quick throw in, jetting past the Columbus defense.  With barely three minutes off the clock, Neagle fired an honest, powerful shot that proved too much for the grasp of William Hesmer, the Crew goaltender.  An already rampant Emerald City crowd were given more cause for celebration as Mauro Rosales tacked on another in the 16th.  The goal resulted from an unlucky penalty decision against Columbus's Balchan who had already had a bad day.  Five minutes later Neagle bagged his brace as the hometown hero executed a skillful volley from a long cross.  It had been all Rave Green up to this point...and the trend would continue.  On the forty minute mark, Mike Fucito netted his first of the season and Seattle broke the MLS record for first half goals scored, ending an almost perfect 45 minutes.

Triumphant Sounders Trounce Columbus

Things began to look just a little better for the visitors in the second half...but only just.  Another penalty decision gave Jeff Cunningham opportunity and he converted to break yet another MLS record.  With the goal, Cunningham now has 134 in his MLS career, passing Jaime Moreno of DC United.  Assuming the black and gold had reason to celebrate, Neagle's hat-trick in the 70th demolished that notion.  Unequivocally his best goal of the day, an inspired shot from distance punished the crossbar, touched just past the line, and then soared back out of the net.  The lad had just marched into the history books with nearly 37,000 fans chanting his name.  Three minutes later, the Crew would score from a free kick just outside the box and in bizarre irony Josh Gardner would negate his own strike with an own goal less than a minute later.  Ending 6-2, the game proved a picture perfect example of the thrill and tradition of Major League Soccer.  So ended a historic day for the Emerald City and a superlative display by the unstoppable Sounders.

Congrats Lamar!!

It was a fantastic day for the Seattle Sounders, a feather in the cap of Major League Soccer, and career day and world class performance for Lamar Neagle.  The young forward began the season fighting for a roster spot and has continued to impress and grow throughout the season.  Number 27 has started 9 games and appeared in 21, logging 869 minutes this season in all competitions.  Neagle has scored six goals and registered one assist.  The match was certainly Seattle's brightest of the season so far.  Pushing for another record, the Sounders will appear in the US Open Cup Final against the Chicago Fire on Tuesday October 4th.  Should they win, they will be the first team to win the USOC three years on the bounce.

We Battery Fans congratulate Lamar on a fantastic day and an incredible achievement, wishing the best from the Palmetto State.

Battery Fall to Orlando in Extra-Time Thriller

Charleston produced a courageous display against the top-seeded Orlando City Lions in the first round of the USL Pro playoffs.  Before a crowd of over 7,000, the Battery did battle with Orlando for the fifth time this season.  Ending 3-1, the scoreline hardly does justice to the story of the match.  Although the result meant the season had ended for Charleston, our own Low Country Boys left the field with pride receiving a "job well done" from the Battery fans.

Charleston Goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra earned the title of Blackbaud Player of the Game and he deserved it.  The Battery were on the back foot for most of the first half but the Virginia native kept his side in the match.  Dykstra recorded an impressive ten saves on the evening, those coming against the league's strongest offensive tandem.  The goal came with one minute of regulation in the first half and it was hardly the goalkeeper's fault.  An unmarked Orlando played was given the ball with just enough space to tap in the score.  Anhaeuser responded immediately with three substitutions at the break.  Fresh legs took instant effect and Battery veteran Stephen Armstrong combined with Nicki Patterson to level the score in the 64th minute.  Armstrong's corner allowed an unmarked Patterson to head the ball into the net.  The goal was Patterson's sixth on the year as he led the team with Dane Kelley.  The pacey second half ended as an aggressive Charleston side were unable to secure the game winning goal.  In the 98th, Orlando found the net and Charleston suffered doubly as Dane Kelley was sent off moments later with a second yellow card for a challenge to the Orlando City GK.  The Battery were victims of poor officiating on the evening.  At one point in the match a fan burst onto the field and it took far too long for the referee squad to even realize the event had happened.  Regardless, with two minutes remaining in extra time, Orlando scored again putting the game out of Charleston's reach.  It was a sad way to end the season, but an admirable performance by your Charleston Battery.

Orlando host the Richmond Kickers this weekend to determine who will clench the American Division title and move on to the league final.  The Rochester Rhinos will host the Harrisburg City Islanders to decide the National Division winner.

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.

Battery Winless in Carolina Challenge Cup

Perhaps the MLS is not as weak a league as many have billed it to be. The USL's Charleston Battery we're beaten 2-1 (TFC), 2-1 (RSL), and 2-0 (DCU) successively as the Battery hosted their annual Carolina Challenge Cup. Real Salt Lake took the cup, and Toronto F.C. put on a good show as well. These three MLS teams are by no means the cream of the crop, but perhaps it is a credit to the development of Major League Soccer that even the mediocre MLS clubs can put on a such a strong front, even in pre-season. “Overall, I’m pleased,” said Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser. “We found out some good things, and found out some things we need to work on before we open the season in three weeks.” (Charleston Battery official website) It looks to be another great season for the Battery this summer. With three new signings resulting from the CCC, Charleston are gearing up for their season opener away against the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday April 11th. Soccer may not be taking the US by storm, but it certainly has grown strong roots in American soil.