Showing posts with label Levi colemann. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Levi colemann. Show all posts
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Battery v. Orlando
Play offs. Get it done Charleston!
Audio only stream available at www.charlestonbattery.com
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Goals Galore and Back to Orlando
Friday night the Battery had to win the match and win they did. Notching a season high four goals in a "do or die" match against Charlotte certainly showed what they Battery can do offensively. All season you could see that several players look like they were going to break down the curse this season and rack up some goals but it never came. Surprisingly though the most spectacular goals came from someone who normally plays on the back line, Mike Zaher.
It's been said that Zaher's move from the defense into the midfield was the call of Battery Owner, Tony Bakker, and whether it was Zaher wanting to prove himself, Charlotte being unprepared for him in that position or the fact Zaher just thought "what the heck, I'm going for it," it all culminated into two of the nicest goals seen at Blackbaud this season.
Add a goal each from Zach Prince and Dane Kelly, the Battery seemed to be in the driver seats. hat is until the 90th minute when two Charlotte goals in stoppage time made the score line 4-3 in favor of the Battery but left more than a few people apprehensive about the outcome. And 4-3 was the final and the Battery were more than relieved to hear the final whistle.
With the win, the Battery were also the crowned Southern Derby Cup winners. The cup was promptly filled with Guinness and the players and fans celebrated the victory.
Sunday saw the Regiment annual Player Appreciation Picnic. This year was a great turn out with tons of food, tons of people and off course the return of the infamous egg toss. Last years champion Levi Coleman was looking to retain his title this year and quickly chose the same partner as last year. After several round the final two were down to Levi Coleman and Nicki Paterson with their team mates. Nicki launched a long toss that his 4 year old partner couldnt track down, cracking the egg. All Coleman had to do was launch and easy one for his partner, Director of ticket Sales for the Battery, Suzanne Sudzina, but the egg broke on the catch. Levi and Nicki will have to share the title this year.
The boys now travel to Orlando to take on the Lions for the fifth time this season. the Battery have only won one of the last four but will be looking for the win this Saturday night to advance toward the Championship match.
Spirits are high in the Battery camp. The past contest with Orlando City have been very close and the results could have been different with a lucky bounce or a favorable call from the referee. There is a small contingent of Battery fans traveling down for the match but for those unable to make the trip, the match will be on USLlive and via the Battery radio network.
Up the Battery!!!
Add a goal each from Zach Prince and Dane Kelly, the Battery seemed to be in the driver seats. hat is until the 90th minute when two Charlotte goals in stoppage time made the score line 4-3 in favor of the Battery but left more than a few people apprehensive about the outcome. And 4-3 was the final and the Battery were more than relieved to hear the final whistle.
With the win, the Battery were also the crowned Southern Derby Cup winners. The cup was promptly filled with Guinness and the players and fans celebrated the victory.
Sunday saw the Regiment annual Player Appreciation Picnic. This year was a great turn out with tons of food, tons of people and off course the return of the infamous egg toss. Last years champion Levi Coleman was looking to retain his title this year and quickly chose the same partner as last year. After several round the final two were down to Levi Coleman and Nicki Paterson with their team mates. Nicki launched a long toss that his 4 year old partner couldnt track down, cracking the egg. All Coleman had to do was launch and easy one for his partner, Director of ticket Sales for the Battery, Suzanne Sudzina, but the egg broke on the catch. Levi and Nicki will have to share the title this year.
The boys now travel to Orlando to take on the Lions for the fifth time this season. the Battery have only won one of the last four but will be looking for the win this Saturday night to advance toward the Championship match.
Spirits are high in the Battery camp. The past contest with Orlando City have been very close and the results could have been different with a lucky bounce or a favorable call from the referee. There is a small contingent of Battery fans traveling down for the match but for those unable to make the trip, the match will be on USLlive and via the Battery radio network.
Up the Battery!!!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Battery defeat Wilmington with late goal
The Charleston Battery defeated the Wilmington Hammerheads is a vital American Division match and a Southern Derby Cup match 2-1.
Both teams started off fairly pensive with Wilmington have the better of possession in the first half but neither team had a serious strike on target.
In the second half things started off similarly to the first, and it was Wilmington that scored first from a corner kick. The Ball sailed in to the box and was flicked on to Manny Guzman who headed home the ball in the 77 min.
The Battery then began to press and thee minutes later, found the back of the net to even up the score. Brandon Massie scored his first goal of the season when a ball shot by Stephen Armstrong was deflected by Hammerhead's keeper, Kyle Polak. Unfortuately for Polak it was deflected to Massie who was did a good job following up the shot and slotted it past the keeper.
The Game livened up from their and both teams seemed like they did not want to settle for the draw, but it was the Battery who was rewarded with the goal. Colin Falvey sent a beautifully weighted ball into the box where Dane Kelly beat the keeper to flick into the net in the 90 minute of play to make it 2-1.
And the excitement didn't end there. in time added on, Hammerhead defender Garth Evans was sent off for what we can only imagine was two straight yellows for dissent. After Levi Coleman looked to beat his man and was one on one with the keeper, he appeared to have been brought down in the box. But the referee waved play on and Evans seemed to take grievance with Coleman who was still laying on the pitch after the foul. As play continued Evans, seemed to argue with Coleman and out came yellows for both players. Evans not seemingly happy continued to press the subject and began shoving and the referee quickly showed him a second yellow. Still unhappy, Evans continued to argue and had to be escorted off the field to the locker room by his teammates.
The final whistle came shortly after and with the win the Battery moved to Second place in the American Division and are first place in the Southern Derby Cup Standings, a three way, round-robin tournament by the fans of Wilmington, Charleston and Charlotte.
Watch highlights from and all three goals at the link below
Highlights of Battery's win over Wilmington
Next up for the Battery is an away match against the Dayton Dutch Lions on July 23 followed by the International exhibition against Portsmouth FC on July 27 at Blackbaud Stadium
Up the Battery!!!
Both teams started off fairly pensive with Wilmington have the better of possession in the first half but neither team had a serious strike on target.
In the second half things started off similarly to the first, and it was Wilmington that scored first from a corner kick. The Ball sailed in to the box and was flicked on to Manny Guzman who headed home the ball in the 77 min.
The Battery then began to press and thee minutes later, found the back of the net to even up the score. Brandon Massie scored his first goal of the season when a ball shot by Stephen Armstrong was deflected by Hammerhead's keeper, Kyle Polak. Unfortuately for Polak it was deflected to Massie who was did a good job following up the shot and slotted it past the keeper.
The Game livened up from their and both teams seemed like they did not want to settle for the draw, but it was the Battery who was rewarded with the goal. Colin Falvey sent a beautifully weighted ball into the box where Dane Kelly beat the keeper to flick into the net in the 90 minute of play to make it 2-1.
And the excitement didn't end there. in time added on, Hammerhead defender Garth Evans was sent off for what we can only imagine was two straight yellows for dissent. After Levi Coleman looked to beat his man and was one on one with the keeper, he appeared to have been brought down in the box. But the referee waved play on and Evans seemed to take grievance with Coleman who was still laying on the pitch after the foul. As play continued Evans, seemed to argue with Coleman and out came yellows for both players. Evans not seemingly happy continued to press the subject and began shoving and the referee quickly showed him a second yellow. Still unhappy, Evans continued to argue and had to be escorted off the field to the locker room by his teammates.
The final whistle came shortly after and with the win the Battery moved to Second place in the American Division and are first place in the Southern Derby Cup Standings, a three way, round-robin tournament by the fans of Wilmington, Charleston and Charlotte.
Watch highlights from and all three goals at the link below
Highlights of Battery's win over Wilmington
Next up for the Battery is an away match against the Dayton Dutch Lions on July 23 followed by the International exhibition against Portsmouth FC on July 27 at Blackbaud Stadium
Up the Battery!!!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Battery defeat Dayton, and other news
The Charleston Battery defeated the Dayton Dutch Lions with a second half goal from Levi Coleman.
It wasn't the prettiest game the Battery have played this season but they got the job done. The win keeps Charleston in the final playoff position in the American Division, only two points behind second place Richmond and six points behind Division and league leaders Orlando City.
Coleman's goal was started when Colin Falvey slotted the ball to Evan Taylor out wide. Taylor crossed the ball across the face of goal to an open Coleman who neatly tucked it into an open net. The goal was Coleman's second of the season.
You can see a complete write up of the match at Battery website or in the local paper.
Also, Andrew Miller of the local Post and Courier had a good feature article on Diego Walsh on Friday. Miller reported Walsh had signed a contract to the end of the season but is now reporting on his blog that Walsh is headed to Thailand for a trial. Of course, their is no guarantee that Walsh will get picked up, all though we certainly wish him the best of luck. In fact, we aren't even sure when the Thai season starts and their is a good chance he will be back (his fiancee is expecting their child in a couple months and her family lives in the Charleston area.) What we do know is that he headed overseas today and that he will not be available for the US Open Cup match against Orlando City on Tuesday night.
That match Tuesday will be the start of a grueling week for the Battery squad. Orlando is riding high in the league and will be looking to knock Charleston out of the US Open Cup. It will also be the return of Ian Fuller to the 'Baud. Friday night, Charleston will travel to Wilmington to take on the Hammerheads. The match will be featured live on Fox Soccer Channel and The Regiment is finalizing the details on a watch party for those interested. Saturday night, the Battery will host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the third match in five day. To make things even more interesting, if the Battery win Tuesday night, they will play Major League Soccer's FC Dallas on Tuesday June 28 in Dallas, the fourth game in seven days, with two being away. Crazy for even the most fittest players.
The Battery also announced an international friendly against English championship side, Portsmouth FC on July 27 at Blackbaud Stadium. Tickets go on sale Tuesday and start at $20. Look for more details in the future from No Quarter but you can be sure this one will sell out, as did the Bolton match last season.
It wasn't the prettiest game the Battery have played this season but they got the job done. The win keeps Charleston in the final playoff position in the American Division, only two points behind second place Richmond and six points behind Division and league leaders Orlando City.
Coleman's goal was started when Colin Falvey slotted the ball to Evan Taylor out wide. Taylor crossed the ball across the face of goal to an open Coleman who neatly tucked it into an open net. The goal was Coleman's second of the season.
You can see a complete write up of the match at Battery website or in the local paper.
Also, Andrew Miller of the local Post and Courier had a good feature article on Diego Walsh on Friday. Miller reported Walsh had signed a contract to the end of the season but is now reporting on his blog that Walsh is headed to Thailand for a trial. Of course, their is no guarantee that Walsh will get picked up, all though we certainly wish him the best of luck. In fact, we aren't even sure when the Thai season starts and their is a good chance he will be back (his fiancee is expecting their child in a couple months and her family lives in the Charleston area.) What we do know is that he headed overseas today and that he will not be available for the US Open Cup match against Orlando City on Tuesday night.
That match Tuesday will be the start of a grueling week for the Battery squad. Orlando is riding high in the league and will be looking to knock Charleston out of the US Open Cup. It will also be the return of Ian Fuller to the 'Baud. Friday night, Charleston will travel to Wilmington to take on the Hammerheads. The match will be featured live on Fox Soccer Channel and The Regiment is finalizing the details on a watch party for those interested. Saturday night, the Battery will host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the third match in five day. To make things even more interesting, if the Battery win Tuesday night, they will play Major League Soccer's FC Dallas on Tuesday June 28 in Dallas, the fourth game in seven days, with two being away. Crazy for even the most fittest players.
The Battery also announced an international friendly against English championship side, Portsmouth FC on July 27 at Blackbaud Stadium. Tickets go on sale Tuesday and start at $20. Look for more details in the future from No Quarter but you can be sure this one will sell out, as did the Bolton match last season.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Battery travel to Wilmington 5-21
The Charleston Battery will travel to the three and half hours north along the coast to take on the reformed Wilmington Hammerheads Saturday night at Legion Field.This will mark the first competitive match up between the two clubs. Both have met frequently over the years in preseason matches and there has been a good relationship between the two sides over the years with players being loaned between the two clubs. In fact, Wilmington's coach Irving was a common fixture at Battery matches last season and at the Battery trials prior to the start of the 2011 season And Colin Falvey joined the Battery on loan (and later signed with the Battery) from Wilmington after the Hammer's 2009 campaign finished.
Charleston will be looking to break a four match scoring slump and win less streak. The Battery offense has created 44 shots over the last four games but have been unable to find the back of then net. No Quarter would be worried if the team wasn't creating chances but as some point, someone has to start putting it into the onion bag.
We are waiting on word on who is unavailable but one would have to think Dykstra is still a week or two away and Dugoni (back) is still questionable.
No Quarters line up prediction:
Wiggins
Marples, Falvey, Wilson, Zaher
Paterson, Peverley, Jackson, Armstrong
Coleman, Kelly
I could see Auggie maybe shaking up the front line a bit perhaps with J.C. Mack possible replacing Kelly.
Wilmington on the other hand seem to be on fire right now. Their last match saw them defeat FC New York 3-1 and they could leap frog the Battery in the standings with a win, even though they have played four less matches than the Battery.The match will also be the second match in the 2011 Southern Derby Cup. The first match up saw the Battery defeat the Charlotte Eagles 2-1. The remaining Southern Derby dates will be Wilmington @ Charlotte on June 11, Wilmington @ Charleston July 14, Charlotte @ Wilmington July 23, and Charlotte @ Charleston August 12.
The Regiment and other Battery supporters will be taking a bus to the match to support the boys. Tickets for the bus start at $25 and include the match ticket and bus ride. More details if you want to get on the bus HERE. Currently there looks to more than 40 supporters making their way up Highway 17.
The match will be shown live and free Saturday night on USLlive with kick off at 7:30pm EST.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Charleston draw at home
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| Dane Kelly the Jamaican Terror! |
Both teams were coming off a Friday night match (Pittsburgh was defeated by Wilmington 3-1) but the match looked lively enough. Charleston had 17 shots on goal.
You can catch the match summaries at either the Battery website and Charleston's Post and Courier newspaper. You can also see some match photos from the paper here
Coach Anhaeuser rested a few regular starters and gave both J.C. Mack and Jon "J.D" Gruenewald starts in the midfield along. Both seemed to find space on the wings and both did a good job with crosses. Mack seemed to be a little eager, taking shots from 30-35 yards out but overall we feel they both did a fine job.
Coleman did well too but should have converted at least one chance he had.
"I just think everyone got a little over-excited, I know I did. The ball popped up on my ankle and went straight instead of the bend I was looking for." Coleman said in the Post and Courier article.
Everyone is waiting for the archive on USLlive to see a replay of the questionable offside call on Coleman in the 37 minute. From E10, he looked onside.
It ended up 0-0 after the 90 minutes and the Riverhounds should be ecstatic they got a point out of the match.
The Battery also did a fine job with the field and all the things going on off the field for the Susan G. Komen fund. More than $10,000 was raised for the charity at the match. The pink jerseys were auctioned off after the match and many ladies were happy as the players took off their jerseys to hand to the winning bid!
The boys face another back to back series this upcoming weekend, this time both matches are away. Charleston take on Pittsburgh Friday night and then travel to Rochester to take on the Rhinos.
Armstrong should be ready to start this weekend and his experience on the field will help on the road.
Dykstra looks to be out for a couple more weeks. We wouldn't be surprised to see some coverage brought in for Wiggins in goal.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Charleston falls to Islanders, 1-0
The Charleston Battery loss to the Puerto Rico Islanders on a 76 min goal by Puerto Rico Islander forward Matt Bouraee.
Around 500 to 600 fans enjoyed a chance to watch the reigning Division 3 champions the Battery take on the Division 2 champions, the Puerto Rico Islanders.
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| Seedy Bah |
The match started lively enough for the Islanders and they controlled possession for most the opening 10 minutes. Puerto Rico Captain Delgado came off in the 15 minute limping and was replaced by the eventual goal score Bouraee.
The Battery adjusted and started to find is groove, looking pretty dangerous in the middle of the field with Battery Captain Stephen Armstrong looking very sharp on the left side. Armstrong created several nice moves on the sideline and crossed quite a few nice looking balls into the box.
Levi Coleman went down in about the 30 min with a finger to the eye and was replaced by youngster Seedy Bah.
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| Osei Telesford |
The final 10 minutes of the half the Battery limited the Islanders to their half for the most part. Several decent chances came the first a freekick that went just over the bar. the second a couple minutes later when Armstrong made a fine cross for Kelly he just couldnt connect with. In the last minute the Battery had two more quality chances with a blast just outside the box from Cole Peverley and another one in the 45' form Dane Kelly.
In the second half the Battery immediately stepped right back into their rhythm with Armstong again making a strong cross to Kelly.
Puerto Rico finally had a quality chance on goal in the 54 minute but #9 Fana's shot when high over the bar.
The Battery thought they had scored in the 59' from a nice build up and cross from the right side but the linesman's flag was up for offside.
Islander goalie Burse stopped a 20 yard rocket of a shot from Seedy Bah in the 62' to keep things level
In the 65' both teams began to make wholesale changes with the seven subs coming in at once, two for the Islanders and 5 for the Battery.
After the change the Battery seemed to be on the back foot and the Islanders stepped up their attack. In the 76' first half substitute Matt Bouraee scored after what looked like a rare bit of confusion in the Battery defense.
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| Nicki Patterson |
The Islanders had another good chance in the 81' but Second half substitute, Keith Wiggins saved the shot.
The Battery seemed to regain the composure quickly while the Islanders looked happy just to defend the lead.
Brandon Massie made a great run down the right side and beat his marker, made a great cross that a diving JC Mack just missed. In the dying minutes of the game, the Battery nearly got the equalizer when College of Charleston product, Sean Flatley, beat his man in the air and nearly headed a cross in to tie the match up.
The match ended 1-0 and over all it looked like a pretty even match, with the Battery having quite a few scoring chances and controlling the midfield for a large portion of the match but the Islanders scoring the goal and that the only statistic that matters in the end.
Overall the Battery looked sharp and ready to go for the Saturday.
The Islanders seemed to have to make a few adjustments to their back line as Needham seems to yell at his defenders a lot and Clark was constantly telling Martinez he need to be faster and telling him to adjust his positioning, but did a good job keeping up with speedy Dane Kelly and Seedy Bah.
Adderly up top was quite for most the match but Fana who seemed to play behind Adderly was very lively. He tracked back onto defense when needed and was quick put the Battery under pressure. Burse made a couple good saves that kept the Battery off the score sheet. Emory caused some problems for guys coming down the wings.
Here is the starting line up along with a list of the players that were subbed in. I lost track who came in for who but I think you see a similar line up starting on Saturday.
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| Mike Zaher takes on goal scorer Matt Bouraee |
Battery: Dykstra (GK), Zaher, Wilson, Dugoni, Marples, (D) Armstrong, Jackson, Peverley, Prince (M) Kelly, Coleman (F) Subs: Bah, Wiggins(GK), Patterson, Wiltse, Flatley, Caskey, Mack, Evans, Rittmeyer.
Islanders: Burse (GK) Jones, Emory, Martinez, Needham (D) Delgado, Telesford, Hanson, Ptichkolan, (M) Adderly, Fana (F) Subs: Bouraee, Laurendi (GK) Ly, #19, #16, #28 #25 (sorry could get their names)
For more photos of the match, see Kim Gregory's album here
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Battery defeat Coastal Carolina 5-0
In a closed scrimmage at Blackbaud Stadium, the Charleston Battery seemed to find their offensive firepower with five goals from five different players.
Stephen Armstrong, Seedy Bah, Dane Kelly, Levi Coleman and Colin Falvey all scored for the Battery. We don't have much more than the score but it is always a good thing when strikers score, even in a preseason match.
It helps build their confidence for the upcoming season and hopefully they will continue to put the ball in the net.
We are hearing rumors from a couple places that there may be another preseason match next week. We'll let the Battery announce the opponent and details but it should be a lot of fun against an opponent the Battery has played before.
Stephen Armstrong, Seedy Bah, Dane Kelly, Levi Coleman and Colin Falvey all scored for the Battery. We don't have much more than the score but it is always a good thing when strikers score, even in a preseason match.
It helps build their confidence for the upcoming season and hopefully they will continue to put the ball in the net.
We are hearing rumors from a couple places that there may be another preseason match next week. We'll let the Battery announce the opponent and details but it should be a lot of fun against an opponent the Battery has played before.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Battery Trials Underway, Woodbine Update
The Charleston Battery began there invite only player trials on Thursday at Blackbaud Stadium.
The trials featured a few players from previous Battery trials and the USL combine plus the Battery players that are currently in town.
Present from the 2010 team were Stephen Armstrong, Kevin Jackson, Nigel Marples, Zach Prince, Brandon Maisse and Keith Wiggins. Colin Falvey is expected back in Charleston sometime next week.
No definative word on Mike Zaher and his trial in Finland but he seems to regular feature on IFK's preseason roster for friendlies.
Also not present were Alioune Gueye (heard he is looking at a club in Africa), John Grunewald (recovering from surgery), Levi Coleman (indoor) and new boys Nicki Paterson and Cole Peverley (still not arrived)
There were also 20 or so unsigned players out there Thursday looking to impress. The players were broken into to three teams of 9 or 10 each. Two teams played one another for 20 minutes or so, then the third team swapped out with one of the teams on the field. The teams continually rotated the team for about 2 1/2 hours.
As a courtesy to the Battery, I'll withhold any names until they have evaluated and negotiated with the players. One of the reasons they changed the date of the trials was to make it easier to hold a player over for the Carolina Challenge Cup. While I only watched one session and they continue through the weekend, there were a couple impressive players. I imagine several of these players will be announced at the season ticket holders "Meet and Greet" at the Three Lions next Wednesday night.
Obrian Woodbine to Finland
OB signed with Finish team VPS VAASA of the Finnish First Division. Finland seems to be a popular destination currently with several USL players ending up there including Lamar Neagle's stint at IFK after the Championship match and Mike Zaher's current trial with IFK. We'll keep you updated with OB throughout the season.
Also look for a feature on former Battery player Amaury Nunes. Nunes, after the Battery's championship match, went on to play in Germany and in December, left the bitter cold to embark on a new adventure on the beaches of Goa, India. We'll bring you his adventure in the upcoming week.
Finally, don't forget to sign up for the Regiment membership. You can save 10 percent at the proshop on the new look Battery jersey with the new three championship star crest and the new AvVenta sponsor logo. the $20 level gets you a Battery scarf and the $40 level gets you a embroidered Regiment polo in you choice of Black, Red or Yellow along with some other perks. We will have membership forms at the "Meet and Greet" next Wednesday and at all the Carolina Challenge Cup matches.
The trials featured a few players from previous Battery trials and the USL combine plus the Battery players that are currently in town.
Present from the 2010 team were Stephen Armstrong, Kevin Jackson, Nigel Marples, Zach Prince, Brandon Maisse and Keith Wiggins. Colin Falvey is expected back in Charleston sometime next week.
No definative word on Mike Zaher and his trial in Finland but he seems to regular feature on IFK's preseason roster for friendlies.
Also not present were Alioune Gueye (heard he is looking at a club in Africa), John Grunewald (recovering from surgery), Levi Coleman (indoor) and new boys Nicki Paterson and Cole Peverley (still not arrived)
There were also 20 or so unsigned players out there Thursday looking to impress. The players were broken into to three teams of 9 or 10 each. Two teams played one another for 20 minutes or so, then the third team swapped out with one of the teams on the field. The teams continually rotated the team for about 2 1/2 hours.
As a courtesy to the Battery, I'll withhold any names until they have evaluated and negotiated with the players. One of the reasons they changed the date of the trials was to make it easier to hold a player over for the Carolina Challenge Cup. While I only watched one session and they continue through the weekend, there were a couple impressive players. I imagine several of these players will be announced at the season ticket holders "Meet and Greet" at the Three Lions next Wednesday night.
Obrian Woodbine to Finland
Also look for a feature on former Battery player Amaury Nunes. Nunes, after the Battery's championship match, went on to play in Germany and in December, left the bitter cold to embark on a new adventure on the beaches of Goa, India. We'll bring you his adventure in the upcoming week.
Finally, don't forget to sign up for the Regiment membership. You can save 10 percent at the proshop on the new look Battery jersey with the new three championship star crest and the new AvVenta sponsor logo. the $20 level gets you a Battery scarf and the $40 level gets you a embroidered Regiment polo in you choice of Black, Red or Yellow along with some other perks. We will have membership forms at the "Meet and Greet" next Wednesday and at all the Carolina Challenge Cup matches.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
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:
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.
Here is the roster of players that the Battery currently has on their website:
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- Stephen Armstrong
- Yeniel Bermudez
- Levi Coleman
- Jon Gruenewald
- Alioune Gueye
- Kevin Jackson
- Nigel Marples
- Brandon Massie
- Nicki Paterson
- Zack Prince
- Keith Wiggins
- Mike Zaher
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.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Where are They Now?
It’s been two weeks since the Charleston Battery won the 2010 Championship match but Battery players are still plying their trade.
Tommy Heinemann played a full 90 minutes with the Carolina Railhawks against the MLS bound Portland Timbers. The match ended 0-0 but Heinemann was very active with six shots and doing the dirty work up top that he is known for, was also credited with five fouls.
Lamar Neagle’s new club, IFK Mariehamn played one of the Finnish league’s hot team, TPS. Lamar didn’t feature in IFK’s surprising 2-1 victory over TPS but it not surprising as only arrived last weekend.
Ian Fuller came on as a second half substitute for the Austin Aztex in Puerto Rico Saturday night. Austin lost the match 3-1, after scoring in the first half but gave up three goals in the second.
Rudolph Mayard got a few minutes playing time Wednesday for Montreal in their 2-1 victory over Puerto Rico.
Kyle Reynish, who got played 3 games with the Battery while on loan from MLS outfit, Real Salt Lake, kept a clean sheet as he logged 90 minutes in the 0-0 match against the Seattle Sounders.
O’Brian Woodbine looks like he is heading back to Jamaica to play for his country’s Premier League in recently promoted team Reno of Westmoreland.
Levi Coleman has headed home to Kansas City and has expressed interest in playing indoor in the off season
Tommy Heinemann played a full 90 minutes with the Carolina Railhawks against the MLS bound Portland Timbers. The match ended 0-0 but Heinemann was very active with six shots and doing the dirty work up top that he is known for, was also credited with five fouls.
Lamar Neagle’s new club, IFK Mariehamn played one of the Finnish league’s hot team, TPS. Lamar didn’t feature in IFK’s surprising 2-1 victory over TPS but it not surprising as only arrived last weekend.
Ian Fuller came on as a second half substitute for the Austin Aztex in Puerto Rico Saturday night. Austin lost the match 3-1, after scoring in the first half but gave up three goals in the second.
Rudolph Mayard got a few minutes playing time Wednesday for Montreal in their 2-1 victory over Puerto Rico.
Kyle Reynish, who got played 3 games with the Battery while on loan from MLS outfit, Real Salt Lake, kept a clean sheet as he logged 90 minutes in the 0-0 match against the Seattle Sounders.
O’Brian Woodbine looks like he is heading back to Jamaica to play for his country’s Premier League in recently promoted team Reno of Westmoreland.
Levi Coleman has headed home to Kansas City and has expressed interest in playing indoor in the off season
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