The United Soccer League (USL) released the full 2017 regular season schedule Tuesday afternoon. The Charleston Battery opens its historic 25th season at MUSC Health Stadium against FC Cincinnati on March 25th, setting the stage for a rematch of the 2016 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.
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With 30 teams and 480 regular season matches, the 2017 schedule is the largest in USL history. The season kicks off with 13 matches the weekend of Saturday, March 25th and concludes with 14 matches the weekend of Saturday, October 14th.
“We are happy to unveil the regular season schedule for what is set to be the biggest and most exciting season in the league’s history,” said USL President Jake Edwards. “I’m very appreciative of the work that has been done by the staff from both the league and its clubs, and for the patience that has been shown by our fans during this process. This season will be marked by a number of heated rivalries, and new clubs and venues, with all the thrill and drama that has become the hallmark of USL soccer. The countdown to the new season is now officially underway.”
The Battery will follow up its home opener against FCC with a road trip to Charlotte to take on the Independence on April Fools Day. In the three games against Charlotte in 2016, the Battery earned a win and a draw at home and were stung with a 3-2 loss on the road.
This season, home-field advantage in the series is flipped, with the Battery heading to Charlotte twice and hosting once. The rivals will clash in Charlotte’s home opener on April 1st, meet at MUSC Health Stadium on September 9th, and finish the series in the regular season finale on October 14th at Ramblewood Soccer Complex.
Charleston plays the two USL Eastern Conference newcomers back-to-back at the end of April. The Battery and the Tampa Bay Rowdies meet for the first of three regular season matches on April 22nd at Al Lang Stadium. Following the trip to Tampa, Charleston hosts Ottawa Fury FC on April 29th.
The rivalry matches between the Battery and the Richmond Kickers highlight the 2017 schedule. Both historic clubs are celebrating their 25th anniversary seasons this year. The two longest continuously operating American professional soccer clubs will meet in Charleston on June 10th and September 16th and in Richmond on August 26th.
The Battery will celebrate the the silver anniversary with various promotions throughout the season, beginning with the home opener on March 25th. A full list of promotions, giveaways, and theme nights will be released in the near future.
