Charleston Battery look to rebound from their first loss of the season this Saturday against the Rochester Rhinos at MUSC Health Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.
Game Notes
The Battery were pegged with their first loss of the season last week, losing 2-1 to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at home. Ataulla Guerra scored Charleston’s lone goal in the eighth minute, opening his 2017 account.
Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser has used Guerra in a more attacking role in the first three matches this season. In 2016, the Trinidadian played next to Justin Portillo deeper in midfield, but the growth of Neveal Hackshaw has allowed Guerra to play higher up the field this season. Guerra and Romario Williams will represent a big portion of the Battery’s attacking threat moving forward.
Rochester drew, 0-0, with Toronto FC II at Ontario Soccer Centre their last time out. Tomas Gomez earned the shutout in goal. The Rhinos won their other match this season, beating Bethlehem Steel FC, 3-2, at Goodman Stadium in Pennsylvania in the second week of the season. Wal Fall, Darius Madison, and Jochen Graf scored Rochester’s goals in the win.
Against Rochester
Charleston haven’t beaten Rochester since 2014, only mustering a 0-3-1 record against the Rhinos during the two year winless streak. Rochester took six points from the two meetings last season, beating the Battery 3-2 in New York and 2-1 in Charleston. Ricky Garbanzo, Justin Portillo, and Williams scored the Battery’s goals in the two matches. Alex Tambakis played in goal in both contests.
The series is dead even between the two sides since 2008 (8-6-8).
Players to Watch
CHARLESTON – Look for Romario Williams to bounce back this week after a frustrating run in with Pittsburgh last time out. Williams scored his first goal of the season against Charlotte on April 1st, but was limited to just two shots last week against the Hounds. Last season, Williams regularly followed up tough weeks with monster performances.
ROCHESTER – The back four. Rochester are always organized defensively, especially against the Battery. Aside from the odd 3-2 match between the two sides a year ago, the contests are typically low scoring affairs. The Rhinos have had success in the past capitalizing on one chance and shutting things down defensively.
Game Details
Gates open at 5:30pm, kickoff is scheduled for 7:00pm. The Three Lions Club will be open to the public beginning when gates open; Daniel Island Grille will be operating the kitchen.
It’s Superhero Night at the stadium – fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero characters. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com or call 843-971-4625.
The match will be streamed live on https://www.www.charlestonbattery.com and WCIV-TV locally.
