Kickoff!!

The USL Pro Regular season is officially underway!  The LA Blues kicked things off by dispatching the expansion side Phoenix FC 2-0 Saturday night.  The revamped Blues, now under the leadership of Premier League legend Joey Barton, looked sharp, finding the net in each half to secure three points.  The visiting Wolves struggled to build any momentum and with a player sent off just before the break, their hopes of a comeback all but vanished.  Its a fine start for LA, having never won their home opener.  The Wolves will look to rebound next Saturday when they play host to the league's other expansion team, VSI Tampa Bay in the weekend's only USL Pro fixture.

Around the League

The biggest news today is the Toronto FC press release announcing they have officially signed Ryan Richter of the Charleston Battery.  The versatile footballer played a vital role in Charleston's 2012 Championship run, providing a constant offensive threat while actively winning challenges in the midfield as well.  Richter was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Union and went on to spend time with the Harrisburg City Islanders.  He came to Charleston in the spring of 2012 and after the Battery's title winning season, narrowly missed a roster spot with DC United in preseason.  The transfer should be a good match for the Reds and although he will be sorely missed in Charleston, we knew it was only a matter of time before he returned to the MLS stage.  

Charleston have resigned the goalkeeping talents of Kevin Klasila who missed the majority of the 2012 season with an injury.  After several strong preseason performances, Klasila looks ready to make up for lost time and take his place in the first team.  

The Battery have also officially signed midfielder Jarad van Schaik.  The midfielder joins the Battery following a two year stint with the Puerto Rico Islanders.  Van Schaik will bring even more depth to an already experienced Charleston midfield.  

VSI Tampa Bay have acquired JT Noone in preparation for their inaugural USL Pro season.  Noone enjoyed a successful spell with the Ocean City Barons of the PDL before signing professionally with the Harrisburg City Islanders.  Bouncing back and forth from Harrisburg to the Philadelphia Union,  the transfer comes on the heels of Noone's indoor championship with MISL's Baltimore Blast.  

And finally, the Union have announced that three players will join the Harrisburg City Islanders on loan, as part of the team's MLS-USL affiliation.  Forward Cristhian Hernandez and midfielders Greg Jordan and Jimmy McLaughlin will join the Islanders for their 2013 campaign while Philadelphia reserves the right to recall them any time during the loan period.  

Enjoy your Monday and as always, thanks for reading The Beautiful Game!

Just For Fun...

This pine marten (Swiss Weasel) turned pitch invader terrorized a Super League match last week.  He got a good taste of an FC Zurich defender before it was all said and done!

Preseason Powerhouse

With just over a month until the kickoff of the USL Pro season, the Charleston Battery are in fine preseason form, stringing together several convincing victories over their opponents.  Following their dramatic 2-1 coup over the Houston Dynamo in the final match of the Carolina Challenge Cup, Charleston are undefeated in preseason play.  Here are recaps of the fixtures so far:

College of Charleston 0-3 Charleston Battery

Dane Kelly only just missed the target in the opening stages of the match.  The Battery were in the driver's seat from the get-go and Quinton Griffith found the net midway through the first half with a rocket shot from a good ways out.  Ryan Richter and Dane Kelly combined just before the break to give the Black and Yellow a two goal advantage.  Pressing that advantage further, Richter and Kelly co-oped another goal as a fine run by Richter was neatly finished with headed goal by the Jamaican forward.

Clemson University 0-5 Charleston Battery

The Tigers were tied as the Battery overpowered Clemson, providing a goal-scoring clinic free of charge.  Ryan Richter sparked a run in the first half, allowing Jose "Chiva" Cuevas to tally first for Charleston.  A second half onslaught saw Austin Savage (a Clemson grad and former Palmetto FC Bantam), Battery vet and Columbia native Zach Prince, and trialists Gibson Bardsley find the net.  The final goal was earned by Jarad van Schaik, who netted a volleyed shot from a corner kick as the Lowcountry Boys dominated their northern neighbors.

Charleston Battery 4-1 Georgia Southern

Cuban newcomer, Evier Cordovez tapped home Charleston's first strike, assisted by van Schaik about ten minutes on.  Cuevas, who initiated the first goal poked in the second with some help from Zach Prince at the half hour mark.  Scoring an unlikely goal, Taylor Mueller found the net moments after when we whiffed a long ball down the field.  As the GS keeper moved the squelch the pass, a gust carried the ball just over his head in to the net.  Shortly after the break, the Battery put one in their own net, owing now thanks and blame to the blustery conditions on the pitch at Blackbaud.  An errant header from Cody Ellison snagged the breeze and sailed into the Charleston goal at 50 minutes.  Trialist Gibson Bardsley nabbed another Battery goal at 61 minutes with some excellent individual effort to finish the windy night's scoring.

Charleston Battery 2-1 Coastal Carolina

The Battery jumped ahead early as Jose Cuevas found the mark at 10 minutes, slotting home from a goal front scramble begun by Cordovez.  Charleston were content to absorb large amounts of pressure from the Chanticleers but protected the clean sheet till the break.  Dane Kelly was unlucky as his sprinting shot was muffled just before the half.  Refusing to bow out, Coastal's efforts were rewarded on the hour as Klasila was beaten by a powerful shot from close range.  Responding immediately, the Battery were able to stem the tide and restore their lead ten minutes later.  It was Cuevas again, who single handedly slipped his pursuers, passed to himself, and ignited the net, leaving Charleston a goal to the good.  Coastal Carolina proved a more determined foe than the Battery's previous college fixtures, but even on an off night, the boys got the right result.

Who's Next??

The Pride of the Lowcountry travel to Cary, NC to challenge the Carolina Railhawks Thursday at WakeMed Park.  The NASL season kicks off April 6 and the Railhawks have enjoyed a few good preseason results already.  In addition to facing Charleston twice in the coming weeks, Carolina have added a fixture with Mexican giants Pumas UNAM.  Similar to the Battery, the Railhawks preseason preparations involve ties with predominately local university squads.  Its safe to say the fans can expect a highly competitive match and even if the results don't matter, Carolina will be keen to continue to please the home crowd as the Railhawks look to be strong contender for the next MLS expansion team.

After the Railhawks, the Battery will host C of C and the Wilmington Hammerheads at Blackbaud.

Having reached the midpoint of our preseason fixtures, it looks to be another promising year for the Charleston Battery.  We have an unusual number of returning veterans and probably more fresh talent than will fit on the final roster.  Goals seem to be coming from everywhere but the man involved with nearly every one is Jose Cuevas.  I'm very excited about our Cuban acquisitions with Odisnel Cooper between the sticks, Evier Cordovez up front, and the magic of Mikhail Chang yet to be seen.  The international flavor of Charleston's lineup will also be peppered with the ridiculous speed and power of Quinton Griffith of Antigua.  I'm also pleased that we're drawing on local talent with the likes of Austin Savage (Palmetto FC Bantams) and Ralph Lundy Jr. (C of C).  And even though these preseason matches don't count, I'm already pumped for the regular season kickoff!!




(photo credit: Charleston Battery & Carolina Railhawk's facebook page)

Battery Show Fight in CCC Goalfest

Braving the bitter cold, Battery fans were treated to a ten goal double feature exhibition Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium in the opening round of the Carolina Challenge Cup.  And although Charleston fell 3-2 to the Vancouver Whitecaps, the boys have plenty to be proud of as the home played with spirit and determination against their MLS foes.

Vancouver opened the scoring early led Kekutah Manneh.  The rookie might have had a hat-trick, but his first attempt on goal in the second minute was adjudged offside.  Not to be denied, Manneh secured the first goal only two minutes later.  The Whitecaps made a strong showing offensively, belying the fact the game was a preseason friendly.  In the opening stages, Charleston were disorganized at the back and were it not for the reflexes of Kevin Klasila, the carnage could have been greater.  Manneh would score again in the 27th minute, burning down the left flank and searing the net with another well placed shot.  Regaining some composure, Charleston mounted an attack just before the break, but Jose Cuevas' shot slumped just wide of the far post.  

At the restart the 'Caps continued pouring it on and in the 50th minute Daigo Kobayashi volleyed home a strike that seemed taken from one of Ronaldinho's Nike videos.  I honestly think it was one of the most impressive goals I've seen at Blackbaud.  Even with the three goal deficit, the Battery were able to regroup and finish the match with admirable form.   Returning veteran Nicki Paterson rallied the troops and the charge, producing a goal in the 71st minute.  The Scotsman picked out the surging Dane Kelly who advanced to the final third.  Kelly chipped the ball to trialist Gibson Bardley who shrugged the defense and threaded it back to Patterson.  It was clinical finishing as Patterson's one-touch shot burried the ball into the roof of the net.  Charleston nearly doubled their tally six minutes later but was thwarted with a fine save from Vancouver's Brad Knighton.  However, Dane Kelly continued to make his mark on the match, ripping another Battery goal ten minutes from time.  Shouldering through the backline, the Jamaican expertly placed a magnificent goal.  Unfortunately, the whistle came at the wrong time for the boys as Charleston were unable to recover from Vancouver's early lead.  

The Battery have been training for just over a week, and considering the fact that the MLS regular season kick off is just around the corner, I think this is a fine result for Charleston.  Now there's plenty of room for improvement, especially concerning defensive solidarity, but that will come naturally as chemistry grows and the final roster is ironed out.  

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!

MLS Preseason Update

The Desert Friendlies

The Desert Friendlies conclude today as the PDL's FC Tucson square off with the Portland Timbers.  The DF's have been lively so far as several MLS contenders continue to fine-tune their squads.  Portland seem to be a step ahead of the competition, and it looks as though former EPL defensive back Mikael Silvestre has earned a spot in the Timbers Army.  In one of the early fixtures, FC Tucson gave Open Cup Champions Sporting KC a good run for their money, while giving the home fans something to cheer about as well.  With some outstanding in-goal heroics, Tucson are off to a bright start in 2013.  Enjoy the highlights from that encounter:

Cooper trains with FCD in Cancun

Cooper Returns to FC Dallas
In a surprising move this week, the New York Red Bulls traded striker Kenny Cooper to FC Dallas for allocation money and a draft selection.  The former Hoops man had an outstanding season with New York scoring 18 goals and recording several assists. 
 A Dallas native, Cooper began his professional career with FCD.  Having played in Europe with 1860 Munich and Plymouth Argyle, the forward returned to the States joining the Portland Timbers in their inaugural MLS season.  After signing with the Red Bulls, Cooper enjoyed his most productive run since leaving Texas.  No doubt, the locals will be happy about his homecoming, and with the combination of recently acquired Eric Hassli, the two could quickly form the most lethal strike force in the league.

(photo credit: FC Tucson facebook, FCD facebook)

Big Changes for Charleston

Lots of changes are swirling around the Battery as the club begins to gear up for the Carolina Challenge Cup and the 2013 USL Pro season.  Camp begins tomorrow and the CCC kicks off in just over a week, so I'm sure we can look forward to news of the latest signings and returning players over the next several days.

Patterson Re-ups 

Perhaps the biggest news this week is that Nicki Paterson has agreed to terms, returning for his third season with the Charleston Battery.  The Scottish international has notched 20 goals and half a dozen assists playing for Charleston, earning over 50 caps for the Black and Gold.  Paterson is currently training with the New York Red Bulls, but is excited about his return to the Lowcountry.  He is expected to be available for selection in the Carolina Challenge Cup.

There are eleven other players currently listed on Charleston's 2013 roster.  They are as follows:

Micheal Azira  

Jose Cuevas    

Cody Ellison

Colin Falvey

Kevin Klasila

JC Mack

Taylor Mueller

Ryan Richter

Amadou Sanyang

John Wilson

Mark Wiltse

New Website

In case you haven't noticed, the Battery have just unveiled their entirely redesigned website.  The new page not only looks sharp, but it has a sleek design and an interface that's easy to navigate.  The site boasts several new features and links, including a detailed photo roster, simplified ticket purchasing, and my personal favorite Battery TV!

New Kit 

This year the club has moved from Umbro to Nike as the official provider of team apparel and gear.  The switch will encompass everything from training uniforms, player gear, and the official kit used by the Charleston Battery.  The new kit will be revealed February 15 in the press conference preceding the Carolina Challenge Cup.

New Sponsor

The team also has a new lead sponsor SPARCET.  SPARCET is a software company whose applications are used to recognize and engage employees across a network with the overall goal of boosting morale and productivity.

(photo credit: Charleston Battery facebook)