Home

Away points are always big, especially towards the end of the season when your fighting for a playoff spot. AJ Paterson reflects on his last-second equalizer against New York Red Bulls II and breaks down the play as it happened on the first installment of Battery Breakdown!

Coming off a thrilling 1-1 draw against New York Red Bulls II on Friday night, the Battery turn their attention toward the Birmingham Legion. Calling Saturday’s match a big one would be an understatement as both teams continue to battle for the final playoff spot.

Home Winners – The Battery scored three goals against the Legion at MUSC Health Stadium on June 8th with Arthur Bosua, AJ Paterson, and Romario Piggott all on the scoresheet in the win. Paterson earned a late point for the Battery against New York and both of his goals this season have come in stoppage time of the second half. Paterson could see his second consecutive start against the Legion if Leland Archer is unable to go after coming off injured against Atlanta United 2.

Like for Like – Removing Charleston’s draw against New York the Battery and Legion have played to similar results over the last three weeks. Charleston and Birmingham are 1-2-0 during that span with both clubs picking up 1-0 home wins against Indy Eleven. The teams also played to 0-0 draws against Swope Park Rangers earlier this season.

Swope Fans for the Night – Speaking of Swope Park, the Legion square off against the Rangers Monday night at Children’s Mercy Park. If there’s ever a time for Battery fans to root for another team, it’s tonight. The Battery and Legion are tied on points (39) and Saturday’s match is setting up to be the most important game of the season for both sides. Swope have been eliminated from the playoff race but have won two of their last three games including a 1-0 win against North Carolina FC and a 3-0 road win against Charlotte.

Following Saturday’s match against Birmingham, the Battery wrap up their regular season with three straight home matches. Tickets for those matches are on sale and can be purchased online or by calling (843) 971-GOAL! 

The Charleston Battery pulled out a late equalizer to split points with New York Red Bulls II in a 1-1 draw on Friday night at MSU Soccer Park. The point keeps Charleston’s playoff hopes alive with four matches remaining in the regular season.

Ataulla Guerra nearly opened the scoring for Charleston in the 23rd minute, firing a low shot inches wide of the left post. The Trinidad forward put himself in an excellent position after receiving a lovely pass from Zeiko Lewis and using his quick feet to find a few yards of space just inside the eighteen-yard box. John Tolkin challenged Guerra at the top of the box but Guerra was able to move away from the weak tackle. The Battery finished the first half with four first-half shots; none of which were on target.

New York’s Jarad Stroud had a night to forget. Leading the team in goals and assists, Stroud had a team-high seven shots but only three were on target including his missed penalty in the 40th minute. Stroud was pulled down in the box by Kyle Nelson and stepped up to take the ensuing penalty. The midfielder’s attempt was straight down the middle and into the hands of Joe Kuzminsky who held his line. 

The first half finished 0-0 but was overshadowed by a serious leg injury suffered by Red Bulls II defender, Edgardo Rito, two minutes into the match. Rito and O’Brian Woodbine battled for a loose ball down the right side of Charleston’s defensive third and a sliding challenge from Woodbine saw Rito awkwardly go to ground. Rito would eventually be taken off on a stretcher and was replaced by Sean McSherry.

Mathias Jorgensen, who scored against the Battery in the teams reverse fixture, made it 1-0 to the hosts in the 50th minute. Stroud squeezed a pass through the Battery’s backline and into the penalty area with Omir Fernandez getting on the end of Stroud’s ball. Fernandez was challenged by a charging Kuzminsky and did well to get the ball up and over Charleston’s keeper. Jorgensen, who was next to Fernandez in the box, jumped on the attempted chip and slotted home into an empty net.

Trailing by a goal, coach Anhaeuser made three attacking substitutions prior to the 75th minute. AJ Paterson would come on for Woodbine in the 62nd minute and go on to score the match tying goal in the final minute of stoppage time. Tah Brian Anunga did well to recycle a failed clearance from the Red Bulls and found Vincenzo Candela with a smart pass out on the wing. Candela picked out Paterson with a perfect cross and the defender headed home for his second goal of the season to draw level with Red Bulls II at the death.

Charleston head to Birmingham next Saturday for an all-important match with the Legion. Heading into the weekend, the teams are tied on points with Birmingham who play Swope Park on Monday night. The Battery are back at home for the final three games of the regular season starting with Loudoun on October 13th. The Black and Yellow close out their regular season with a midweek match against Memphis and the season finale against Bethlehem. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling (843) 971-GOAL.

BOX SCORE

NEW YORK: Louro, Rito (McSherry 10′), Nealis (Scarlett 46′), Tolkin (YC 45+6′), Kilwien, Zajec, Elney, Fernandez (Sowe 61′, YC 85′), Lema, Stroud, Jorgensen (goal 51′)

Substitutes: Nuhu, Boateng, Loebe, McSherry, Scarlett, Mines, Sowe

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Nelson, Woodbine (YC 40′, Paterson 62′, goal 90+6′), Mueller, van Schaik, Candela, Piggott (YC 74′), Anunga (YC 43′), Rittmeyer (Marini 75′), Guerra (YC 45+2′, Svantesson 71′), Lewis

Substitutes: Breno, Paterson, Higashi, Kelly, Marini, Bosua, Svantesson 

The Charleston Battery make their way to Montclair, New Jersey Friday night to take on New York Red Bulls II at 7:30 PM. New York will look to snap a two-game losing streak while the Battery need to build on the momentum of last weekends win against North Carolina FC.

Jarad Stroud has played at an MVP level for Red Bulls II this season and leads the team in goals (14) and assists (9). Stroud has taken 70 shots this year, good for third-best in the USL Championship and is converting on 20% of his attempts. Behind strong performances from Stroud, Red Bulls II have scored the second-most goals in the league (69) and have the third-highest goal differential (+31). Christopher Lema has been a fantastic complement to Stroud’s production and leads the team in chances created (84), ranking second-best in the Championship. Lema and Stroud have made a combined 57 starts in 60 appearances for Red Bulls II this season logging over 5,000 minutes.

Tah Brian Anunga scored on a brilliant effort to give the Battery a 1-0 lead against North Carolina FC and figures to play an important role in the narrative of Friday’s match. Anunga was sent off in the 45th minute of the teams June meeting after a foul on Vincent Bezecourt. Ten-man Charleston would take the lead through Nicque Daley’s second goal of the season before conceding in the 80th minute to Mathias Jorgensen. Anunga’s last trip to New York saw the midfielder score two goals and was the lone bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming performance. Anunga has been a rock for the Battery in midfield leading the team in passes per ninety (51.1) and tackles won (43).

Nico Rittmeyer scored his second goal of the season and now has goals in back to back matches. Rittmeyer’s late winner against North Carolina FC clinched the Southern Derby Cup and kept Charleston within striking distance of the 10th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Rittmeyer played 27 minutes in a substitute appearance and was incredibly efficient with the ball at his feet. He finished with three shots, two of which were on target, and completed all nine of his passes in just 17 total touches. Rittmeyer played just forty-five minutes against New York in June, coming off following Anunga’s red card.

Playoff Watch – Five Eastern Conference teams have clinched playoff spots with Red Bulls II leading the charge…for now. Indy, Tampa Bay, Nashville, and Pittsburgh are all within a point of the top spot and the Eleven and Riverhounds have a game in hand. Since clinching a spot in the postseason, New York have dropped two straight matches while conceding seven goals in the process. Those losses came on the road against Saint Louis and Louisville and a quick return home against the Battery is followed by a three-game road stretch to close out the regular season. The Red Bulls have been very good at home this year winning eleven of sixteen matches at MSU Soccer Park but have struggled to find that same consistency on the road. They hold a 6-5-3 record away from home and have conceded 25 of 39 goals on the road this season.

Not much has changed for the Battery who need wins to secure a playoff spot in the East. Charleston have matched Birmingham’s results over the last three games (1-2-0) and are only one point back of the Legion for the final spot. A win on Friday night would see the Battery jump Birmingham before the Legion’s match with Swope Park Rangers on Monday night while a draw would see the teams go level on points. It all sets up what could be Charleston’s most important match of the season, as the Battery travel to Birmingham on October 5th to face the Legion at BBVA Field. Saint Louis have kept themselves in the danger zone after being shutout by Memphis 901 FC last Saturday and, like Charleston and Birmingham, need wins to guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs.

The Battery wrap up their season with three straight home matches against Loudoun United (Oct 13), Memphis 901 FC (Oct 16), and Bethlehem Steel FC (Oct 19) with tickets on sale online or by calling (843) 971-GOAL!

On Friday the Charleston Battery completed the signing of Wando High School standout, Evan Posnanski, to an academy contract. The contract will allow Posnanski to pursue a collegiate career while gaining valuable experience with the Battery through the remainder of the 2019 USL Championship season and into 2020.

The senior has enjoyed a successful high school career winning three straight state championships at the 5A level. In 2017, Posnanski’s freshman season, Wando High School were named National Champions by USA Today Sports and repeated the feat in 2018. The attacking midfielder contributed to Wando’s 56 match win streak, a South Carolina state record.

A Mount Pleasant native, Posnanski played for the U13/U14 South Carolina Battery Academy team during the 2015 season scoring one goal in four appearances. He recently captained the USA Mount Pleasant 2001/2002 boys team to a first-place finish in the league, scoring 19 goals in 19 matches.

Posnanski looks to build on Wando’s historic success in his senior season following a trial with the Sporting Kansas City Academy team. You could say the Charleston Battery is in Posnanski’s blood as Evan’s father, Jamie Posnanski, played with the Battery for two seasons alongside coach Mike Anhaeuser.

Posnanski joins Temi Adesodun as the Battery’s latest signings before last Friday’s deadline. Charleston are on the road against New York Red Bulls II Friday night before returning to MUSC Health Stadium against Loudoun United on October 13th.

The Charleston Battery took three points and reclaimed the Southern Derby Cup against North Carolina FC in a 2-1 win on Sunday afternoon at MUSC Health Stadium.

Tah Brian Anunga scored his second goal of the season to give the Battery a 1-0  lead in the 44th minute. Anunga was a dominating presence in the midfield all match and was awarded for his efforts with a brilliant individual goal just before halftime. Anunga picked up a pass near midfield and started his powerful run sidestepping North Carolina midfielder Viktor Igbekoyi and retaining possession against a challenging Aaron Guillen. The ball took a slightly favorable bounce and Anunga was through on goal with only Alex Tambakis to beat. Anunga curled a beautiful shot around Tambakis from just inside the left corner of the area just minutes before the halftime whistle.

It was a strong first-half performance from the boys in Black and Yellow, but it was North Carolina who started the second half on the front foot. Nazmi Albadawi equalized four minutes after the break after a spell of attacking play from North Carolina. DJ Taylor played the crucial pass, chipping a controlled ball in towards Taylor who had stationed himself on the penalty spot. It was a bouncing ball that Taylor struck well and beat Joe Kuzminsky who was positioning himself to make a save.

There always seems to be late drama between Charleston and North Carolina and today was no exception. Charleston looked dangerous on the counter-attack and North Carolina were full of confidence which set-up a wild finish that may very well have kept the Battery’s playoff hopes alive. Nico Rittmeyer scored his second goal of the season and his second goal in as many matches in the third minute of stoppage time. Kyle Nelson, who put himself in dangerous attacking positions throughout the match, found Rittmeyer at the near post and the former College of Charleston star made no mistake beating Tambakis at the death.

“It feels amazing,” Rittmeyer said after the match. “I got my first one last week and that’s given me so much confidence heading into the final stretch of the season.” With the win, the Battery find themselves back within a point of Birmingham and a trip to MSU Park to take on the New York Red Bulls II on Friday night. “We turned one point into three this afternoon,” coach Anhaeuser said. We’ve got a difficult match against New York next week and we’ll need to recover and be ready to get three points against the Red Bulls.”

Charleston will play their next two matches on the road, which include a massive match against Birmingham on October 5th, before returning to MUSC Health Stadium for three straight home matches to close out the regular season.  

Sunday Oct. 13                     Get Tickets 

Wednesday Oct. 16           Get Tickets 

Saturday Oct 19.                  Get Tickets 

Looking for a group outing? Call or Text “Groups” to 843.971.GOAL.

Keep up with the Battery! SIGN UP  for our weekly newsletter for team news, special events and exclusive offers!

BOX SCORE

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Nelson, Mueller, van Schaik (YC 89′), Paterson, Marini (Rittmeyer 63′, goal 90 +2′), Candela (Guerra 78′), Anunga, Piggott (Higashi 85′), Bosua, Lewis

Substitutes: Breno, Woodbine, Kelly, Higashi, Guerra, Svantesson, Rittmeyer

NORTH CAROLINA: Tambakis, Taylor (YC 64′), Duvernay, Igbekoyi, Guillen, Smith, Perez (Rennicks 90′), Albadawi (goal 49′), Speas, Miller (Chester 78′), Ewolo (Kristo 78′)

Substitutes: MacLeod, Comsia, Wapiwo, da Luz, Chester, Kristo, Rennicks

The Battery are set to host North Carolina FC in a Sunday afternoon match at MUSC Health Stadium, tomorrow, at 2:00 PM.

The Battery are coming off a tough loss against Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday night and will look to get back to winning ways against their Carolina rivals. Nico Rittmeyer scored his first goal of the season to level things in Kennesaw, but the Battery would concede two second-half goals to Andrew Carleton and Jack Metcalf in the 3-1 loss.

North Carolina FC are coming off an equally disappointing loss to Swope Park in a 1-0 defeat last Saturday. NCFC have been a strong side this season but their recent form have seen the Cary based club drop three of their last five and take one point through their last three. Those teams faced have a combined record of 18-45-19 with a goal differential of -54.

Ian Svantesson led the charge against North Carolina FC on March 30th, opening the scoring in the 69th minute. Zeiko Lewis provided the final ball to put the forward through on goal and Svantesson slipped his shot past goalkeeper Alex Tambakis.

The Battery looked as if they’d take three points before Tommy McCabe scored a wonderful volley from outside the box in the final minute of stoppage time. There always seems to be some late-game drama between the two sides including a wild finish at Sahlen’s in 2018.

Southern Derby Cup – USL Championship points aside, the two clubs will be playing for the 2019 Southern Derby Cup on Sunday afternoon. Charleston and North Carolina are tied on five points with NCFC holding a slight advantage due to goal differential. Charleston must win in order to hoist the cup while North Carolina only need a draw.  

Playoff Watch – Six matches remain on the Battery’s regular-season schedule starting with Sunday’s match. Charleston can finish the regular season with a maximum of 53 points and, as of Friday afternoon, the Tampa Bay Rowdies hold the fourth spot with 53 points.

Birmingham’s 1-0 win over Indy Eleven on Friday creates a four-point gap between the Legion and the Battery who currently sit 10th and 11th, respectively. Charleston must take three points on Sunday to keep pace with Birmingham in a playoff race that figures to come down to the final weeks of the season.

Charleston’s visit to Birmingham on October 5th is setting up to be the most important match of the Battery’s season. The Black and Yellow were 3-1 winners against the Legion at MUSC Health Stadium on June 8th with Romario Piggott, Arthur Bosua, and AJ Paterson all on the scoresheet.

Saint Louis have distanced themselves from the Battery after winning five straight which include an impressive 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls II. Saint Louis are six points clear of the playoff line and will look to strengthen their position on Saturday.

North Carolina look like a lock for postseason play but haven’t officially clinched a spot. NCFC have been fantastic at home this season playing to an 8-1-5 record, and play three of their last four at Sahlen’s.    

We’ll be honoring all of our local first responders with a free ticket to Sunday’s match! (valid ID must be presented at the ticket window). Tickets for Sunday’s match against North Carolina FC are on sale and can be purchased online or by calling (843) 971-GOAL.

The Charleston Battery have completed the signing of twenty-two-year-old defender, Temi Adesodun. Adesodun joins the Battery following a four-year playing career at the College of Charleston.

Adesodun wasted no time in establishing himself as a key defender for the Cougars during his freshman year at The College. Temi started all seventeen matches in 2015 and was named to the CAA All-Rookie team. Adesodun played alongside current Battery defender Leland Archer and midfielder Nico Rittmeyer logging 1,457 minutes; good for the fourth-highest on the team.

Temi’s junior season was highlighted by an assist against Florida Atlantic in a 1-0 win and played his usual allotment of minutes making eighteen appearances helping the Cougar defense to six shutouts on their way to an 8-6-4 record. He finished out his college career in 2018 serving as team captain and earning tournament honors at the UNCW Springhill Suites Classic.

Prior to his time at the College of Charleston Adesodun attended Irmo High School in Columbia, South Carolina where he earned varsity honors in all four years. The defender led Irmo to a 2013 4A state championship and two regional championships. Temi showcased his offensive talents scoring twelve goals and providing thirty assists for the Yellowjackets.

Adesodun will have his first chance at action on Sunday, September 22nd as the Battery host North Carolina FC at MUSC Health Stadium at 2:00 PM. Text “Tickets922” to (843) 971-GOAL  for special offers. 

Keep up with the Battery! SIGN UP  for our weekly newsletter for team news, special events and exclusive offers!

The Charleston Battery suffered a 3-1 defeat against Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The Battery drop crucial points as they continue to fight for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Battery pressed high up the pitch, looking to force a young Atlanta side into a turnover, early in the match. Ataulla Guerra and Kotaro Higashi were the ones to apply pressure but Atlanta United did well to play out of the back. It was a quick start for the stripes as Luiz Fernando put Atlanta out to a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute of play. Fernando picked up a loose ball in midfield and, with support to his left side, drove down the middle of the field going one on one with O’Brian Woodbine. With a few quick stepovers, Fernando was able to beat Woodbine into the box and lifted his shot over a charging Joe Kuzminsky.

Nico Rittmeyer scored his first goal of the season to draw the Black and Yellow level in the 26th minute. Tah Brian Anunga established possession for the Battery in midfield before playing a pass back to Taylor Mueller, who lofted a long ball towards Rittmeyer in the attacking third. Rittmeyer was able to chest Mueller’s pass down in the box while battling an Atlanta defender. Rittmeyer kept his composure and balance slipping a low shot past Brendan Moore while going to ground. Rittmeyer’s goal was good enough to see the Battery end the first half tied with Atlanta, 1-1.

Andrew Carleton entered the match as the second half kicked off and made his presence know, scoring four minutes after coming on to restore Atlanta’s lead. Fernando picked up an assist on the play after being played open down the left side of the Battery’s defensive third. The forward moved into a dangerous area and found Carleton making a late run into the penalty area. Carleton curled a well-placed shot past Kuzminsky giving Atlanta a 2-1  second-half lead.

The Battery battled to find a way back in the match, but things would get worse for the visitors in the 74th minute when Atlanta was awarded a penalty after Rittmeyer was called for a foul in the Charleston penalty area. George Bello drew the foul after going down when the midfielder made contact with Rittmeyer’s outstretched leg. Jack Metcalf stepped up and converted the penalty to make it 3-1 and secure three points for Atlanta United 2.

The Battery will look to bounce back in their next outing, at home, against North Carolina FC on Sunday, September 22nd at 2:00 PM. It’s Hometown Heroes day at MUSC Health Stadium where all local first responders will receive a free ticket for Sunday’s match! Be sure to bring the whole family as we’ll have a number of activities for the kids including emergency response vehicles on the concourse! Text “Tickets922” to (843) 971-GOAL  for special offers.

Only 4 regular season home games remain! 

Sunday Sept. 22                   Get Tickets 

Sunday Oct. 13                     Get Tickets 

Wednesday Oct. 16           Get Tickets 

Saturday Oct 19.                  Get Tickets 

Looking for a group outing? Call or Text “Groups” to 843.971.GOAL.

Keep up with the Battery! SIGN UP  for our weekly newsletter for team news, special events and exclusive offers!

BOX SCORE

ATLANTA: Moore, Metcalf (penalty 74′), Ambrose, Campbell, Decas (YC 90′), Hernandez, Bashti (Carleton 46′, goal 49′), Kratz, Fernando (goal 10′, Barajas 83′), Bello (YC 48′), Conway (YC 62′, Wyke 71′)

Substitutes: Castanheira, Benitez, Wyke, Barajas, Carleton, Kissiedou, Okonkwo

CHARLESTON: Kuzminsky, Nelson (Lewis 67′), Mueller (assist 26′), Woodbine, van Schaik, Marini, Kelly (YC 29′), Anunga (YC 67′), Rittmeyer (goal 26′), Guerra (Bosua 81′), Higashi (Svantesson 72′)

Substitutes: Breno, Paterson, Candela, Bosua, Lewis, Piggott, Svantesson