Monday, June 20, 2011

Second Round US Open Cup vs...Orlando City FC

Charleston will take on high flying Orlando City FC in the second round of the US Open Cup on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:30pm.  The match will be played at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, South Carolina.


Charleston have a long history of advancing to the later stages of the US Open Cup and you can bet this year is no different for the club.  Orlando City will be a stern test but one that Battery will feel up for.   It is rumored New Zealand international Cole Peverley was training last week and participated in an inter squad match.  Even if Cole isnt ready for the full 90 minutes, it will be good to have him on the bench as it looks like Diego Walsh will not be available as he has flown to Thailand to participate in a trial. 

Also questionable are JC Mack and Graham Dugoni.

Coach Anhauesuer will prove his 2010 USL-2 coach of the year status this week with player selection limited and at least three matches in five matches.  If the Battery advance past Orlando, they will face FC Dallas in the third round of the US Open Cup in Texas making it the fourth match in seven days.  Crazy for even the deepest of teams.

Orlando City will be coming in looking for the win.  The Battery defense will have to neutralize league leading scorer Max Griffin and watch the threat of Jamie Watson.  The Orlando City goalkeeper, Miguel Gallardo, has a league high of seven shutouts and looks to be one of the USL Pro's top keepers, but he also has the league second highest save rate, something that could indicate a defense that could help him out more. 

The match will also herald the return of fan favorite Ian Fuller to the 'Baud.  Fuller is acting as player/assistant coach with Orlando City FC.

The Stadium will be configured only for West Stand seating once again.  We have also been told that the match will air live on www.USLlive.com. 

Up the Battery!

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