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.

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

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

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 Richmond

Overall 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!

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.