The Beautiful Game in the Palmetto State

If you've read the blog more than once, I'm sure you've discovered that I tend to focus my time and attention on things concerning the Charleston Battery (and rightly so).  However, I'd like to take time to introduce a few new clubs who've recently burst onto the Carolina soccer scene: the Myrtle Beach Mutiny and the Palmetto FC Bantams...and then of course bring you some news on the Battery.

Myrtle Beach Mutiny FC

After a lively preseason, The Mutiny opened their inaugural season with a rousing 1-0 home win over Rocket City United at Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium.  Myrtle Beach are in the Southeast Division of the National Premier Soccer League, a rapidly growing grassroots movement aimed at developing soccer communities and talent across the country.  The newcomers learned a valuable history lesson when they recently traveled to reigning champions Jacksonville United and were torched 7-1 by the hosts.  However, the Mutiny looked far more resilient in their last fixture, a gritty 1-0 home loss to the Knoxville Force.  Myrtle Beach are coached by Patrick "Thunder" Olalere, made famous by his striker days and prolific scoring record for the Charleston Battery.  MBFC boast a diverse lineup with plenty of homegrown talent but have enlisted players from the likes of Brasil, Morocco, Nigeria, and Central America as well.  

The Mutiny visited Blackbaud to scrimmage the Battery earlier in the year and the exciting fixture went decidedly in the way of the hosts.  While the Mutiny have a difficult assignment in making their way against stiff opposition in their first season as a NPSL outfit, we here at The Beautiful Game wish them all the best in their inaugural season!!

Here's a link to the team's official website:  Myrtle Beach Mutiny FC

Palmetto Bantams FC

Joining USL's Premier Development League in the South Atlantic Division, the Palmetto Bantams FC are an amateur side based in Greenwood, SC.  The Bantams have a partnership with the English League Two Team, Bradford City.  Their roster is comprised of mostly players from USC and Clemson with a handful of Englishmen as well.  The Bantams are off to a great start recording a convincing 2-1 win over the Virginia Beach Piranhas in their franchise opener at Lander University.  Showcasing plenty of offensive talent, it seems the Bantams have a bright future in the PDL.  They play a pair of games this weekend in Columbia against Real Maryland FC at USC's Stone Stadium.

The team site can be found here:  Palmetto Bantams FC

Interestingly enough, as both teams enjoyed a week off from league play, the Bantams visited Blackbaud last Friday to take on the Battery in a friendly.  The Battery scored in the first half and again after the break.  The Bantams found the net by way of a penalty, but Charleston responded immediately, as the match finished Battery 3-1 Bantams.  

Charleston take on Reading United AC in tonight's Open Cup match and will host the LA Blues this weekend.  Remember, should Charleston will their this evening, they will play host to Thierry Henry and the New York Red Bulls next week!!  All the best boys and UP THE BATTERY!!!