Its been an exciting week for Battery fans. First the Battery faithful found out that Charleston will once again be the host for an English team this summer. Nottingham Forest will take on the Charleston Battery on July 28 at Blackbaud stadium. The Battery then defeated Reading United in the USOC on Tuesday and, in turn, will play the New York Red Bulls next Tuesday at the Baud. On top of all that, the Battery will be home this Saturday to take on the LA Blues in regular league action.
Nottingham Forest so far have announced two matches in America, one against the Orlando City Lions on July 21 and the other here in the Holy City on July 28. you can read all the details in the Battery's official press release.
In Tuesday's USOC match, the Battery defeated PDL's Reading United 2-1. The Battery started off the match well earning five corners in the first 20 minutes. But Reading soon found there rhythm and the match evened out. Reading took the lead from a corner kick in the 64 minute. The Battery quickly responded with a great strike from Dane Kelly. Nicki Paterson took the lead with an awesome 30 plus yard free kick that would have made David Beckham proud.
With the win, the Battery now take on MLS' New York Red Bulls. The match should feature a now fit and legend Thierry Henry. How much time Henry plays is up Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe. Backe has been criticized in the past to his lacksidasal approach to the US Open Cup but has publicly said he plans to take it more serious this season.
Another member of the technical staff that will be familiar to Battery fans is Red Bulls Goalkeeping coach, Todd Hoffard. Todd played the 2001 and 2002 seasons with the Battery.
The Battery goalkeeping situation seems to be in flux once again. As you might recall, both the keepers the Battery signed at the beginning of the season, are currently injured. Alex Kann suffered a knee injury and is about two months into a four month recovery. Kevin Klasila suffered torn ligaments in his hand and is close to finishing his recover. The Battery got DC United and former Battery keeper Andrew Dykstra on loan, but DC United did not want Dykstra to be cup tied to Charleston so he is unable to play in the USOC. As a result, The Battery have signed two more goalkeepers. Former Wilmington Hammerhead keeper, Brock Duckworth and a youngster Joseph Wichmann. When we say youngster, we mean youngster; Wichmann, 17, is currently a junior at Wando High School and is a member of the Battery's U18 USSF Developmental Academy team. He has signed with a amateur contract that will allow him to still comply with NCAA rules.
Dykstra loan period as appeared to have end with the Battery. United's usual number 2 keeper is currently out with an eye injury and Dykstra was on the bench for DC United's match against Toronto FC on May 19. His latest loan contract expired on May 20.
We will see who is minding the net for the Battery in their match this Saturday against the LA Blues. The Blues are off to a rough start to the USL Pro season and were knocked out of the USOC by PDL side Ventura County. They also play a match tonight (May 24) against Orlando City Lions in Orlando, giving them one day rest as they travel to Charleston.
Fixture congestion and squad management will test Battery coach Mike Anhaueser over the next 10 days. The Battery will play four matches in seven days, with the match Saturday against LA, Tuesday USOC match up with NY Red Bulls, and away match on Thursday against Pittsburgh followed by an away match in Dayton Ohio against the Dayton Dutch Lions. Brutal to say the least. Auggie will have to utilize his entire roster over this stretch.
Tailgate for Saturday's game will be chicken and sides. Bring some beer and/or a side and join us near the East Stand entrance. We also secured a group rate for Tuesday's USOC match against New York. Ticket in E10 are only $8 each. you can get yours at the tailgate on Saturday or prior to the match on Tuesday.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
Battery Knock Off Antigua
Four goals from four players, limiting the opposing team to only four shots with goalkeeper, Andrew Dykstra not having to make any saves is a pretty good night.
That what the Charleston Battery did to Antigua Barracuda in front of more than 3100 Friday night.
Four nicely taken goals from Jose Cuevas (45), Nicki Patterson (74), Sallieu Bundu (80) and Dane Kelly (90) showed a potent Battery offense. Five matches into the season, the Battery have scored 11 goals from seven different players. Cuevas and Paterson both have three goals and two assist. A look at the USL stats page shows, Cuevas and Paterson in second in goals scored on the season and tied for first in points (combination of goals and assists) in the league.
Antigua has had a potent offense with the leagues top scorer, Stefan Smith notching four goals. But the Battery defense of Taylor Mueller, Colin Falvey, Kyle Hoeffer and Johnny Wilson did a great job of limiting Antigua to only four shots. Goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra wasn't forced to make a save all night.
For those that haven't seen the match, you can watch a replay of it at Uslnation.com. Great to hear Andrew Bell call the match and for this match, he had injured goalkeeper, Kevin Klasila doing a great job doing color commentary. If you haven't listen after watching the matches, Andrew gives a lot of great player info along with the occasional tidbit on what future events the squad and club are up to.
Next up, the Battery take on the undefeated Rochester Rhinos. The match will be at Blackbaud on Saturday May 12. It will also be "pink" night and the Battery will wear a special pink jersey to raise money for cancer research.
The Rhinos will be a tough test. Offensively they haven't been as potent as the Battery but defensively they yet to give up a goal. Also former Battery defender, Mike Zaher moved up to Rochester in the offseason.
Look for a new feature this week on No Quarter. For those that can't attend every match, we will be bringing you the "where are they now" and "player profile" features from the game day program. This week we will bring you current player Ryan Richter and former Battery player Patrick Olelare
That what the Charleston Battery did to Antigua Barracuda in front of more than 3100 Friday night.
Four nicely taken goals from Jose Cuevas (45), Nicki Patterson (74), Sallieu Bundu (80) and Dane Kelly (90) showed a potent Battery offense. Five matches into the season, the Battery have scored 11 goals from seven different players. Cuevas and Paterson both have three goals and two assist. A look at the USL stats page shows, Cuevas and Paterson in second in goals scored on the season and tied for first in points (combination of goals and assists) in the league.
Antigua has had a potent offense with the leagues top scorer, Stefan Smith notching four goals. But the Battery defense of Taylor Mueller, Colin Falvey, Kyle Hoeffer and Johnny Wilson did a great job of limiting Antigua to only four shots. Goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra wasn't forced to make a save all night.
For those that haven't seen the match, you can watch a replay of it at Uslnation.com. Great to hear Andrew Bell call the match and for this match, he had injured goalkeeper, Kevin Klasila doing a great job doing color commentary. If you haven't listen after watching the matches, Andrew gives a lot of great player info along with the occasional tidbit on what future events the squad and club are up to.
Next up, the Battery take on the undefeated Rochester Rhinos. The match will be at Blackbaud on Saturday May 12. It will also be "pink" night and the Battery will wear a special pink jersey to raise money for cancer research.
The Rhinos will be a tough test. Offensively they haven't been as potent as the Battery but defensively they yet to give up a goal. Also former Battery defender, Mike Zaher moved up to Rochester in the offseason.
Look for a new feature this week on No Quarter. For those that can't attend every match, we will be bringing you the "where are they now" and "player profile" features from the game day program. This week we will bring you current player Ryan Richter and former Battery player Patrick Olelare
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Battery News Roundup
This week saw the Battery defeat the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, find out their US Open Cup opponents, saw a couple players make the USL Pro team of the week, and played a match against the Myrtle Beach Mutiny.
Nicki Paterson scored the only goal to give the Battery the 1-0 win over the Riverhounds. You can read the match review in our post Battery take down Riverhounds.
Also, head over to our friends at The Beautiful Game to read their post match review.
US Soccer also announce the first two round pairings for the 2012 US Open Cup. The Battery have a by in the first round and will enter in the second round taking on the winner from Reading United AC (PDL) v. NY Greek Americans (USASA). The match will be played at Blackbaud stadium on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30pm.
Kudos to Nicki Paterson and Andrew Dykstra for being chosen for the USL Pro team of the week. Nicki's header and great play and Dykstra's vital saves and keeping a clean sheet were the key to their selection. John Wilson and Sallieu Bundu were also given honorable mentions.
Sunday, the Battery took on the Myrtle Beach Mutiny, a new NPSL team coached by Patrick Olalere. Unfortunately, we couldn't make it out to the match but we do know the Battery won 4-0 and JC Mack scored an incredible goal from about 30 yards out. One of the Regiment's own was out there and she shared her photos of the match HERE.
The Battery take on Antigua Barracuda this Friday night for the first time in the Battery's history. The Barracuda's are virtually the Antigua National team, the same ones that will take on the US Men's National Team June 8 in Tampa, Florida in World Cup Qualifying.
Antigua will play the Wilmington Hammerheads on Wednesday before traveling to Charleston to take on the Battery. Following the Battery match, Antigua will travel to Trinidad to compete in the qualifing rounds of the CONCACAF Champions League. It will be interesting to see how their squad approaches the travel and the compact schedule of matches.
Up the Battery
Nicki Paterson scored the only goal to give the Battery the 1-0 win over the Riverhounds. You can read the match review in our post Battery take down Riverhounds.
Also, head over to our friends at The Beautiful Game to read their post match review.
US Soccer also announce the first two round pairings for the 2012 US Open Cup. The Battery have a by in the first round and will enter in the second round taking on the winner from Reading United AC (PDL) v. NY Greek Americans (USASA). The match will be played at Blackbaud stadium on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30pm.
Kudos to Nicki Paterson and Andrew Dykstra for being chosen for the USL Pro team of the week. Nicki's header and great play and Dykstra's vital saves and keeping a clean sheet were the key to their selection. John Wilson and Sallieu Bundu were also given honorable mentions.
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| Photo by Kim Gregory |
The Battery take on Antigua Barracuda this Friday night for the first time in the Battery's history. The Barracuda's are virtually the Antigua National team, the same ones that will take on the US Men's National Team June 8 in Tampa, Florida in World Cup Qualifying.
Antigua will play the Wilmington Hammerheads on Wednesday before traveling to Charleston to take on the Battery. Following the Battery match, Antigua will travel to Trinidad to compete in the qualifing rounds of the CONCACAF Champions League. It will be interesting to see how their squad approaches the travel and the compact schedule of matches.
Up the Battery
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Battery Take Down Pittsburgh
Nicki Paterson scored a nice header from a Jose Cuevas set piece in the ninth minute and held the lead to win the match in front of 3269 at Blackbaud Stadium over the visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds last night.
The Battery then went on to outshot the Riverhounds 13-6 continuing Coach Anhaueser's promise of attacking soccer, while the defense, lead by Colin Falvey, successfully keep a clean sheet for the second week in a row.
The Backline anchored by Falvey and Kyle Hoeffer with John Wilson and Taylor Mueller on the outside and the continuing onloan keeper from DC United, Andrew Dykstra did a solid job of limiting Pittsburgh's chance, with Dykstra making a couple key saves at the end of the match.
Sanyang is doing a great job in teh defensive midfield role but had to be subbed out at the half due to a "lower abdomen injury" Sanyang appeared to take an elbow late in the first half and was relpaced by new signing, Navion Boyd.
Boyd, who has 17 caps for the Jamaican National Team lined up on the outside and is fast to be sure. He seemed to make some poor decisions on his final touch but we'll give him a little time to adjust to the squad.
Cuevas also when out in the 64th minute with an ankle sprain. Depending on the seriousness and the grade of the sprain his recovery time could be anywhere from one week to three months. Hopefully it isn't serious as Cuevas play has been key to the Battery success so far this season.
Dane Kelly also returned this week to the Battery and came on with 12 minutes remaining in the match but didn't do much during his time on the pitch.
The Battery are now 3-0-1 on the season and currently tied for first with Orlando City FC in USL Pro. Next up for the Battery is Antigua Barracuda FC on another Friday night match at Blackbaud Stadium.
The Battery then went on to outshot the Riverhounds 13-6 continuing Coach Anhaueser's promise of attacking soccer, while the defense, lead by Colin Falvey, successfully keep a clean sheet for the second week in a row.
The Backline anchored by Falvey and Kyle Hoeffer with John Wilson and Taylor Mueller on the outside and the continuing onloan keeper from DC United, Andrew Dykstra did a solid job of limiting Pittsburgh's chance, with Dykstra making a couple key saves at the end of the match.
Sanyang is doing a great job in teh defensive midfield role but had to be subbed out at the half due to a "lower abdomen injury" Sanyang appeared to take an elbow late in the first half and was relpaced by new signing, Navion Boyd.
Boyd, who has 17 caps for the Jamaican National Team lined up on the outside and is fast to be sure. He seemed to make some poor decisions on his final touch but we'll give him a little time to adjust to the squad.
Cuevas also when out in the 64th minute with an ankle sprain. Depending on the seriousness and the grade of the sprain his recovery time could be anywhere from one week to three months. Hopefully it isn't serious as Cuevas play has been key to the Battery success so far this season.
Dane Kelly also returned this week to the Battery and came on with 12 minutes remaining in the match but didn't do much during his time on the pitch.
The Battery are now 3-0-1 on the season and currently tied for first with Orlando City FC in USL Pro. Next up for the Battery is Antigua Barracuda FC on another Friday night match at Blackbaud Stadium.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Battery News Round-up
Ryan Richter was named the USL Player of the Week. He had a good showing in the game against Charlotte, scoring one goal and notching an assist on JC Mack's first goal of the his 2012 season.
Speaking of the Charlotte match, good showing for the players in their 3-0 win. There was a good group of Battery fans in attendance as well.
Andrew Dykstra has been loaned back to Charleston from DC United for another stint. This time it looks like a month long period. Good thing too as Alex Kann is out for a couple months with a knee injury and Kevin Klaslia had surgery for some torn ligiments in his thumb last week ruling him out for about four weeks.
This begs the question, who is going to back up Dykstra?
Also hearing that Dane Kelly and at least one of the other rumored Jamaican players are arriving this week after they have cleared their visa interviews last week.
This Friday, the Battery take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds which feature former Battery fan favorite, Justin Evans as coach as well as Jason Kutney and Louie Relko in the squad.
Finally in Regiment news, the limited edition 20th anniversary scarves are nearly complete and set for shipping! Prices will be $15 for Regiment members and $20 for non-members
Monday, April 9, 2012
History Repeats itself: Battery 2, Richmond 1
Just like 20 years ago when these two teams first played each other, the Charleston Battery came out on top over the Richmond Kickers by a score of 2-1.
As some of you readers may know, after 12 years of wanting to go to Richmond to see the Battery play at City Stadium, I finally got my chance.
Some of you may remember the "wars" online on the now less used forum, www.usldiscussions.com between fans of both sides. I had met a couple of the main posters, Mikeyratt, PattieA but the one I wanted to met the most, the one who always seemed to be able to write well though out discussions that seemed to get under your skin but at the same time true, was Big Dave. In real life Big Dave is a great guy with some serious drumming skills. We were lucky to be able to hang out after the match at Richmond's post match pub, Gus's on Broad Street and reminisced about the matches over the years and talk soccer for while.
Had a great time and already look forward to returning one day. Just hope it won't take another 12 years to get back!
As to the game, the Battery's through back jerseys look fabulous! It was also good to see Dusty Huddock on the bench in his role as goal keeper coach.
The Battery lined up in what I would call a a 4-4-1-1 with Bundu doing a good job up top, playing with his back to goal, holding up balls and winning the first ball in. behind him was teh ever impressive Jose Cuevas, he seems to have free reign in the top, picking up the second ball from Bundu and crashing the box during crosses.
The midfield began with Ryan Richter and Zack Prince on the wings withe Nicki Paterson and Amodou Sanyang in the middle. There was some promise and good runs down the wings but Richmond made things difficult for them.
In the back, Colin Falvey and Kyle Hoffer had stellar matches. Hoffer is a beast in the air and seemed to win every ball. Johnny Wilson was an ever tireless engine up and down the wing all match long and Mark Wiltse performed good as well.
In goal, Kevin Klaslia made some fantastic saves and seems to gain confidence and skill since his inauspicious start against DC United in the Carolina Challenge Cup. There wasn't anything he could do about the Kicker goal and
As some of you readers may know, after 12 years of wanting to go to Richmond to see the Battery play at City Stadium, I finally got my chance.
Some of you may remember the "wars" online on the now less used forum, www.usldiscussions.com between fans of both sides. I had met a couple of the main posters, Mikeyratt, PattieA but the one I wanted to met the most, the one who always seemed to be able to write well though out discussions that seemed to get under your skin but at the same time true, was Big Dave. In real life Big Dave is a great guy with some serious drumming skills. We were lucky to be able to hang out after the match at Richmond's post match pub, Gus's on Broad Street and reminisced about the matches over the years and talk soccer for while.
Had a great time and already look forward to returning one day. Just hope it won't take another 12 years to get back!
As to the game, the Battery's through back jerseys look fabulous! It was also good to see Dusty Huddock on the bench in his role as goal keeper coach.
The Battery lined up in what I would call a a 4-4-1-1 with Bundu doing a good job up top, playing with his back to goal, holding up balls and winning the first ball in. behind him was teh ever impressive Jose Cuevas, he seems to have free reign in the top, picking up the second ball from Bundu and crashing the box during crosses.
The midfield began with Ryan Richter and Zack Prince on the wings withe Nicki Paterson and Amodou Sanyang in the middle. There was some promise and good runs down the wings but Richmond made things difficult for them.
In the back, Colin Falvey and Kyle Hoffer had stellar matches. Hoffer is a beast in the air and seemed to win every ball. Johnny Wilson was an ever tireless engine up and down the wing all match long and Mark Wiltse performed good as well.
In goal, Kevin Klaslia made some fantastic saves and seems to gain confidence and skill since his inauspicious start against DC United in the Carolina Challenge Cup. There wasn't anything he could do about the Kicker goal and
Both of Cuevas' goals were great team efforts but Cuevas seems to have a knack for being at the right place at the right time. It is never easy to score on Richmond keeper Ronnie Pascale but he did it twice. check out the video of all the goals at the link below
Battery Win Season Opener, 2-1 In RichmondOverall I felt the boys did very well. Sure there are things to improve on but that is to be expected early in the season.
Now on to the home opener against Richmond on Saturday at 7:30. If the first match up was any indication, it will be a great game!
Friday, April 6, 2012
2012 Season kicks off tomorrow
The Charleston Battery's 20 season begins Saturday with an away match with long time rivals, the Richmond Kickers. I will be lucky enough to make my first trip up to Richmond and am excited to see the boys back in action after a long off season.
As usual in the USL, the off-season saw many changes to the Battery roster. Fortunately it looks like some fan favorites will be returning
Rejoining the Battery from the 2011 season is Nicki Paterson, Colin Falvey, Zach Prince, Sean Flatley, Mark Wiltse, JC Mack and Johnny Wilson. Also rumored to be re joining the squad is Jamaican forward, Dane Kelly.
Coming in with strong resumes from MLS and USL teams are Tony Donatelli, Ryan Richter, Sallieu Bundu, Amadou Sanyang, and Kyle Hoffer. There experience should more than help solidify a strong returning core.
Appearing as rookies in the USL are some young prospects, Jose Cuevas and Charlie Romero have impressed with goals throughout the preseason. Cody Ellison and Tyler Mueller will learn much in defense from the experience of Falvey and Wilson.
Between the pipes is Alex Kann and Kevin Klasila. While young, they should benefit from the Battery bringing in former Battery legend, Dusty Huddock as goal keeper coach.
There are also rumors of two more Jamaicans joining the team. Forward with Tivoli Gardens and Jamaican international with 17 caps, Navion Boyd is one. The other is teammates with Dane Kelly at Village United and has two caps for Jamaica, midfielder Dino Williams.
There has also been some rumbling about a couple former Battery players that might train with the Battery this season so the possibly of an match appearance is good. We'll let the Battery or the players themselves release those names though.
It will be interesting to see how the Battery lines up tomorrow with Richmond. But expect both teams looking to make statements early in the season.
As usual in the USL, the off-season saw many changes to the Battery roster. Fortunately it looks like some fan favorites will be returning
Rejoining the Battery from the 2011 season is Nicki Paterson, Colin Falvey, Zach Prince, Sean Flatley, Mark Wiltse, JC Mack and Johnny Wilson. Also rumored to be re joining the squad is Jamaican forward, Dane Kelly.
Coming in with strong resumes from MLS and USL teams are Tony Donatelli, Ryan Richter, Sallieu Bundu, Amadou Sanyang, and Kyle Hoffer. There experience should more than help solidify a strong returning core.
Appearing as rookies in the USL are some young prospects, Jose Cuevas and Charlie Romero have impressed with goals throughout the preseason. Cody Ellison and Tyler Mueller will learn much in defense from the experience of Falvey and Wilson.
Between the pipes is Alex Kann and Kevin Klasila. While young, they should benefit from the Battery bringing in former Battery legend, Dusty Huddock as goal keeper coach.
There are also rumors of two more Jamaicans joining the team. Forward with Tivoli Gardens and Jamaican international with 17 caps, Navion Boyd is one. The other is teammates with Dane Kelly at Village United and has two caps for Jamaica, midfielder Dino Williams.
There has also been some rumbling about a couple former Battery players that might train with the Battery this season so the possibly of an match appearance is good. We'll let the Battery or the players themselves release those names though.
It will be interesting to see how the Battery lines up tomorrow with Richmond. But expect both teams looking to make statements early in the season.
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