The Remaining Roster Spots

With just more than two weeks until the kick off of the 2011 USL Pro season, the Charleston Battery currently have 19 players listed on their roster.   There is doubt about one player, midfielder Alioune Gueye returning to the Battery this season as he is trying to latch onto a club closer to his home in Africa which would put the roster at 18 if he doesn't return.

Earlier in the season, Coach Anhaueser spoke to the Regiment, the Battery supporter group, at their monthly meeting and said they were looking to have a roster of around 21 or 22 players.  So there is theoretically three or four more players to sign. 

So who will they be?

Gone from camp are Luke Mullholland, Jerry Saintil, Jose Cuevas and a few others that have moved on better offers or definate starting positions.

Still left and unsigned are Mark Wiltse, JC Mack, Alex Caskey, and the trio from the College of Charleston; Sean Bateau, Kareem Yearwood and Sean Flatley.  Also in camp is Diego Walsh, who we now understand is just training with the team until May, when he will fly to Asia to take part in multiple trials there.  Finally there is the young kid Nico Rittmeyer from Savannah.  We are unsure if he is solely training with the team or if he is competing for a spot. 

Both Yearwood and Bateau are nursing some injuries and neither has gotten much playing time in the recent preseason matches. 

Sean Flatley has been seeing alot of time on the pitch and he looks like a good solid central defender.  Wiltse has also been seeing alot of time as a right back.  There are currently six defenders on the roster; Falvey, Marples, Wilson, Zaher and with recent signing of Dugoni.  Flatley could be good cover in the center and Wiltse good cover on the outside.

Midfielder Alex Caskey played a good match against the College of Charleston earlier in the week and has to be being looked at.  Midfield will be a tough position to break the starting line up in.  Armstong, Jackson, Gruenwald, Prince (who is listed as a mid and forward) along with new boys, Evan Taylor Nicki Paterson and Cole Peverley will make it difficult. 

JC Mack has done well through the preseason, in fact, one website is already anouncing that he has signed.  His speed and tenacity will be welcome to the team while the Battery looks for a tandem to take over for Tommy Heinemann and Lamar Neagle, both who have moved on to MLS.

We think that the four players with the best shot are Wiltse, Flatley, Caskey and Mack.  Bateau and Yearwood could still be included as they are more or less local players and likely wouldn't have big salaries.

The big unknown is Nico Rittmeyer.  The kid is fast, reads the game well, crosses well and knows how to put the ball on target.  If research is correct, he is only a junior in high school and 17 years old. Is he looking to go professional and possibly bypass the college route?  Hopefully we find out some more info on him but regardless, he is one to watch.

Here we go, Here we go, Here we go!

With less than two weeks until the Battery suits up and starts it 2011 campaign, I'm starting to get all giddy.

Checking out my flags and banners,  making sure the grill is ready for the tailgates, checking the http://www.usldiscussions.com/ and http://www.bigsoccer.com/ for rumors of players or developments with other teams or the league, I even got my jersey and scarf ready for the first match.

So I thought I do a quick recap and an update on a few things going one.

Player Movements

Its tough keeping a Championship team together.  Most teams come sniffing at your players.  They offer more money or the chance to move up to a higher division. Not a hard decision for a young player.

Tommy Heinemann signed with the Columbus Crew at the end of last year.  He currently has a significant knock that has been keeping him sidelined for a bit.   Hopefully he recovers quickly as I think he can fit the MLS style easily enough.

Lamar Neagle is currently on trial with Seattle Sounders.  He has been tearing it up in camp and has recieved alot of praise from Sigi Schmit the Sounders head coach

"I think the year last year helped him a tremendous amount at Charleston. I think Mike Anhaeuser did a great job with him, helped his confidence. Sometimes dropping down, just like with a Brian Ching when he came back to the Sounders that year then pushing back up really helped him. I think it's really helped Lamar. He's definitely a guy we have to seriously consider for this team."

Mike Zaher's trial in Norway didn't ban out but he is now in Finland on trial with the team Lamar went to at the end of the season, IFK Mariehamm.  He is set to play the full 90 min in his second preseason match on Feb 19 with IFK.

Current Roster

The Battery roster is now at 13.  Bermudez was recently removed, from what I understand it was his own request.  He moved to Alaska to start a life with a woman (from here in Charleston) that took a job up there.  Best of luck to Bermudez.

Added were Nicki Patterson and Cole Peverley as well as the returning Defender Colin Falvey.  Both Marples and Falvey were solid last year.  

We've been told that Gruenwald picked up another serious knock and that would certainly explain the ammount of midfielders we currently have on the roster.

Expect Armstrong to take over Fuller's roll of player/assistant coach.  Stephen's leadership on and off the field and his experience make him key to a successful season this year.

New Players

We've been told that the reason the Battery Trials were delayed a week is that it would make it easier to keep a few of the players around for the Carolina Challenge Cup.  Last heard there are more than 12 players that have been given the invite in and they were waiting on responses from several others.

The Battery shared a few names at the Regiment meeting a couple days ago but we wont go public as it may hurt the negotiation process (or another team might come in a scoop a player!)  We will say that some of the players mentioned would be welcome additions to the Battery.

Off the pitch

Here are a few more things going and look for more details as the dates get closer.
Meet and greet and with Battery players will be March 2 for season ticket holders.

Regiment memberships are now available see the No Quarter article for more info.  Get a Scarf or polo with you membership along with discount at the proshop and other perks!  Plus you help support the Battery and a couple charitable causes along the way.

NASL was barely sanctioned by the US Soccer Federation.  The eight NASL teams will be under a close eye by the federation and will have to apply for sanctioning again before the 2012 season.

US Open Cup dates have been set and NASL was left out of them.  USSF said it was because the dates were set but there are theroies that it was because USSF wanted to send a message to NASL.  Get your crap together this year.

The Southern Derby is set to take place this year between Charleston, Charlotte and Wilmington.  The dates have been projected and we should have details soon after the Carolina Challenge Cup.

And on the subject of the Carolina Challenge Cup, DC United have signed US Men's National Team player Charlie Davis.   Keep an eye on the Battery website as they ae sending out Carolina Challenge Cup updates

The roster...so far

With about a month until the Charleston Battery retake the pitch at Blackbaud Stadium during the Carolina Challenge Cup, it's time to start talking about who we might see suit up for the Battery in 2011.

Here is the roster of players that the Battery currently has on their website:




• Stephen Armstrong
• Yeniel Bermudez
• Levi Coleman
• Jon Gruenewald
• Alioune Gueye
• Kevin Jackson
• Nigel Marples
• Brandon Massie
• Nicki Paterson
• Zack Prince
• Keith Wiggins
• Mike Zaher 

At first glance it is a solid group returning.  There are some obvious absentees but that is normal with lower division soccer, especially after a team wins the Championship match and offers come in for you better players.  no Quarter will break it down by position starting up top.

With the Tommy Heinemann up with the Columbus Crew, Lamar Neagle looking like he is going to be going back to the Seattle Sounders and Levi Coleman the only forward listed.  I imagine the Battery will be looking for a couple forwards.  Replacing a striking duo like Heinemann and Neagle isn't going to be easy.  An experience striker along with one or two younger ones to add to Coleman would seem in order.

Midfield seems about the same as last season except for the departure of Ian Fuller, who will be an assistant coach with the Orlando City SC and Mayard who is back with Montreal.  Gueye and Armstrong are solid.  Gruenewald looked good in preseason last year but an injury nagged him until late in the season.  Massie and Prince both improved as the season progress.  New boy Nicki Paterson has proved he can play at this level and should be another solid addition to the midfield.  I still think a player or two to deepen the roster would be nice as the season is long and injuries are always likely.

Defense is another area we could use some beefing up.  Zaher coming back would be great. But he is currently on trial in Norway.  Bermudez didn't get the minutes I thought he deserved and thought he was out of contract as he is now living in Alaska.  Marples is solid in the central defense.  Wilson shoes will be hard to fill as his experience was a huge factor.  Colin Falvey is playing in New Zealand, and according to reports, still has an option to play with the Battery this season but hasn't decided yet if he will.

Wiggins was dogged with injury last season but even if healthy I'm sure another keeper is high on Auggie's list.

Now here is where things get tricky.

If you haven't been following the ever twisting saga that is Division 2 soccer in the North America, the US Soccer Federation, revoked NASL provincial sanctioning label.  NASL, made up of Montreal Impact, Carolina Railhawks, Minnesota Stars, Miami FC, FC Tampa Bay, Edmonton FC and the Puerto Rico Islanders was given until Feb 11 to get their affairs in order and could resubmit the bid.

IF the USSF doesn't change their minds about NASL sanctioning, it would create a very interesting dilemma for those clubs.  Without sanctioning, the league could go ahead as a "Rogue League" but players, refs, coach would be banned from FIFA events.  The likely hood of any players doing this are slim as there are serious repercussion for them.

Another option would be to not bid for D2 sanctioning but apply for D3 status.  Aaron Davidson, CEO of NASL, said pretty much its D2 or bust for them so that doesn't seem to be an option.

The third option is for the teams and league to fold.  If this happens, there could be dozens of players looking for a team. 

I imagine we won't be seeing too much movement  from the Battery until this ordeal is finished.  I imagine the Battery has its eye on a few players it would like to bring in; from the combine and trials, from MLS rosters, to overseas players and from other teams, and are waiting to pounce the minute the USSF decision is made. 

Heinemann signs with the Columbus Crew

Tommy Heinemann, the co-MVP of the 2010 USL2 Champions match is on to the next level; Major League Soccer.

Heinemann signed a contract that will keep him in yellow and black, unfortunately for Charleston Battery fans those are the colors of the Columbus Crew.  

Heinemann  (arms raised) sets up Lamar Neagle for a goal
during the 2010 USL2 Championship match

2010 was a big year for the big man.  He found his way into the starting line up this season with the Battery, starting 21 games and scoring eight goals and seven assists.  After setting up both goals in the Championship win over the Richmond Kickers,  Heinemann then completed the 2010 season with Carolina Railhawks, making an immediate impact with the team, scoring six goals for the Railhawks in two months.  If you missed it, No Quarter interviewed Tommy in October and you can read it here:  One on One with Tommy Heinemann

Then if that wasn't enough, Tommy got married in November.

It was a busy year to say the least, but his hard work have certainly paid off for him as he starts off 2011 with the Columbus Crew.

"It feels great to be going to MLS,"  said Tommy via email.  "It's every players dream to play at the highest level they can and this is the next challenge for me."

"Its a blessing from God and I thank him for it"  Tommy continued.

"I really cannot say enough thanks for all your support at No Quarter and that of the Battery and their fans," he concluded.  "At least I'm keeping the colors the same!"

We are sure Heinemann will do well for the Crew and No Quarter wishes him the best of luck.

Another Local Soccer Blog

This one started up a little over a week ago and here is part three in a series, Top Ten South Carolina Soccer Stories of 2010: 3-1...:

"In the last two days, we've reviewed the number 10 through number 4 soccer stories in South Carolina this year. Here are the top three to wr..."

Check out their archives for the first two parts and some other good articles.

One on One with....Tom Heinemann

Affectionately nicknamed “the Beast” by Battery fans, Tommy Heinemann’s beard, shaggy locks and size, as well as his physical play, gives him the look of wild-man or a medieval barbarian.  In reality, the 6’4’ forward is more of a gentle giant, a religious man with a big smile.  Tommy was joint MVP in the 2010 USL2 Championship match and had a great season with the Charleston Battery.  The pairing of Heinemann’s physical and holding presence, along with league MVP Lamar Neagle’s pinpoint accuracy and nose for goal, gave the Battery one of the deadliest strike partnerships in recent years. 

As the USL2 season ended, the Carolina Railhawks were looking at Heinemann to bolster their offensive as they push for a USSF Division 2 championship. 

“I spoke with Auggie (Coach Mike Anhaeunser) at the end of the year and he told me that Carolina had expressed interest to the club about me. So, we just took it from there,” Heinemann told No Quarter. “I had heard great things about Martin Rennie, the coach for the Railhawks, as well as great things about the organization. We also played against them two times this year, once in the preseason and once in the open cup. After playing against them, I felt like I could fit into their system and be effective.”

So far he has been effective, scoring four goals in seven appearances for the Railhawks.

His game has been steadily improving since becoming a pro and joining the Battery two years ago.  But it started much earlier.

“I started playing soccer at age 4 for a local recreational team,” said Heinemann.  “I started playing select soccer at age 9.  I liked to run around a lot when I was a kid, and soccer fit the bill for that!”

He went on to play college soccer at Rockhust University where he was named to the NSCAA/NCAA Division II Men’s All-America Team as a sophomore and as a junior.  He also played PDL with the St. Louis Lions, where he scored 35 times in 36 games over three seasons with the Lions.  Heinenmann came to Charleston after a successful showing at the USL Men’s Player Showcase in 2008.

Heinemann like many professional athletes, counts his family as having a big part in his success.  ” My support that I have received from my family is so huge in my life,” said Heinemann.  “Knowing that they support me in all I do goes such a long way.  When I spoke to my immediate family during my last semester of college about trying to play professional soccer and foregoing my MBA (I was on a five year masters program), I was a bit nervous as to what they would say, but not to my surprise they jumped right on board and supported me in that.”

“They knew that was my dream,” he continued.  “To this day, I don't think they understand how much their support means to me.”

Nearly 50 Regiment and other Battery fans made the trip up to see the Battery play Charlotte in late July this past season.  At that match, Tommy had requested 18 tickets for his family and friends. 

“They are so freaking loud at the games!  I am sure you can attest to that,” joked Heinemann.  “They were hilarious at the Charlotte game. They are such a fun bunch.”

Heinemann also credits his past coaches and the big man upstairs.  “Jim Garvin, Tony Glavin, and Tony Tocco have coached me, trained me, and equipped me with the tools I need to play the game. I am very thankful for them.  Most importantly, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” continued Heinemann. “He has blessed me with the opportunity to play soccer professionally and is the only reason I am in the position I am today. All my credit and glory goes directly to Him as He has guided me throughout the course of my life.”

Heinemann scored eight goals and seven assist in 25 games for the Battery this season.  He was named co-MVP in the 2010 USL2 Championship match.

“The last two years in Charleston have been great! Charleston is such a beautiful city to live in and to play in,” said Heinemann.  “The Battery are a very stable organization that has helped me along in the early stages of my career. I have really learned how to be a professional off the field, as well as tons of things from a playing perspective.”

“This year was such a fun year, winning the Championship,” he continued. “Every player on our team did an outstanding job and it was a complete team effort all year long. The final was just evidence of that. I was really proud to be a part of such an exciting and hard working team.”

When asked who his dream side would be to play for would be “Liverpool,” laughed Heinemann.  “I know, I know, they are sucking right now, but they are my team through thick and thin!”

So what will 2011 bring for Heinemann?  “I am not sure at this point,” said Heinemann.  “I am just trying to take it one step at a time and focus on the task at hand here in Carolina (winning a title). Charleston is a great city and a great organization and I really enjoyed playing for the Battery, but for now, I just need to take it one step at a time.”

One thing is for sure, if Heinemann keeps scoring and starting for Carolina, he will have plenty of opportunities next season and “No Quarter” wishes him the best of luck but the selfish part of us would love to see him back at the ‘Baud in the Yellow and Black for next season.

Moving On Up...

It's that time of year again.  The time where players from the lower division teams start thinking about how they're are going to spend their off season and for some, how they are going to pay the car payment!

For a few Battery players that question is already answered, at least for a couple more months. 

The past week has seen several Battery players move to other teams.  The terms of these signings are notoriously hard to find out about but here is what we know so far.

Battery forward, Lamar Neagle has signed with IFK Mariehamm of the Finnish 3rd division for the remainder of there season.  IFK is currently second from the bottom of their table with six matches remaining.  I imagine they need someone to score goals and Lamar has proven he can do that. 

Battery midfielder and assistant coach Ian Fuller signed with the Austin Aztex of the USSF D2.  Austin at the top of the table with Rochester and looking to win a championship.  They have also brought in former Battery players, Randi Patterson and Yoshi from Crystal Palace Baltimore, which looks to have been off loaded by a sinking ship.

Tommy Heinemann has already made an impact with his new team, the Carolina Railhawks.  Heinemann played 61 min against Crystal Palace Baltimore last night in Cary, NC drawing a Penalty and scoring a goal in the 89th min. 

Also completing their loans with Charleston, Tim Melia returned to Real Salt Lake after the Champions match.  Pierre-Rudolph Mayard returned to the  Montreal Impact after the regular season was completed.   Mayard has been getting a few minutes in the last couple Montreal matches.   Hopefully someone sent Mayard, who was a big part in the Battery's success this season, his championship medal.  He definitely deserved to be part of the group that won the Championship.