Catching Up with the Charleston Battery

I know in recent weeks its been exclusively Arsenal here at The Beautiful Game, but honestly, the offseason for lower division soccer clubs is usually pretty quiet.  There has been some transfer news and the Carolina Challenge Cup has been set, so its time to share what's been going on with the Battery in past few months!

First, a few player updates:

Cole Peverley
After completing the 2011 season with Charleston, the midfielder returned home to New Zealand and signed with Canterbury United.  Peverley has featured in every game so far for the Dragons, and his team sit at fourth in the table.  The ASB Premiership season runs from late October to mid-March.  The New Zealand international is expected to return to the Battery after his spell with Canterbury but will likely miss out on the CCC.

Brandon Massie
His fellow Battery midfielder, Brandon Massie has enlisted with the Norfolk Sharx in their first season in the Major Indoor Soccer League.  Also in the squad is the Richmond Kicker's and USLPRO leading scorer Matthew Delicate.  The Sharx are still looking for their first win, but Massie has played an important role already, featuring in every game for Norfolk this season.  He is also expected to return to Charleston in the spring.

Nickie Patterson 
Brandon Massie won't be the only Battery player to grace the MISL however.  Scottish international Nickie Patterson has joined the Baltimore Blast.  So far, the Blast have exhibited stunning form on the road but have been unable to find victory before their home fans.  Patterson looks to rejoin the Battery in their upcoming season.

Mike Zaher
As per Rochester's press release at the close of November, Battery left back Mike Zaher has signed with the Rochester Rhino's for the 2012 USLPRO season.  Having sported the black and gold for the past two years, his experience and defensive resolve will be certainly be missed in the coming year.  Charleston will be hard pressed to fill his shoes when it comes to new signings.

And speaking of new signings...

Recruiting in Jamaica
The Jamaica Gleaner reports that a delegation from the Battery has their eyes on a handfull of young athletes in Jamiaca's Red Stripe Premier League.  Coach Anhaeuser and President Mike Bell have been scouting again and plan to invite several Jamaican footballers to the player trials and possibly Carolina Challenge Cup in Charleston.


Carolina Challenge Cup
And speaking of the Carolina Challenge Cup, the teams and dates have been announced!!  This year, Charleston will host D.C. United, Chicago Fire, and Columbus Crew!!  I'm sure another exciting round of the Coffee Pot Cup awaits and it will be great to see former Battery striker Tom Heinemann as he returns with his new club, the Columbus Crew.  The dates are Feb 25 and 29, and March 3!!  See you at the 'Baud!!