Where are They Now..with Mark Watson

Mark "Watto" Watson

Most Battery fans will remember Mark "Watto" Watson as the man who was the league Defender of the Year,  players from opposing teams surely remember the hard-nose defender that lead the Battery's backline from his crunching tackles and tight marking.  Watto played close to 100 matches for the yellow and black from 2002 to 2004, including being a vital member of the 2003 Championship team, and during his return to the Battery from 2006 to 2007. 

As part of our "Where are They Now" series, No Quarter caught up with Mark Watson, the former Charleston Battery and Canadian National team player, and now assistant coach with MLS' San Jose Earthquakes for a few words.

No Quarter:  Give us a brief summary of how things have been going for you since you left Charleston?

Mark Watson:  Everything has been going well since I left Charleston.  I spent the end of the 2009 season as an assistant coach at New England and then in the off season I joined San Jose and have been there ever since.

NQ:  What are your duties with San Jose?

MW:  Assistant coach:  planning/running training sessions, scouting, video and game preparation.

NQ:  How did playing for Canada and assisting in Charleston help you in coaching with San Jose?

MW:  All of your experiences help prepare you for a career in the game.  Most of the issues you deal with on a daily basis are things I have been through any times which make you more comfortable making a decision.

NQ:  What are your fondest memories of Charleston, do you make it back much?

MW:  I really enjoyed my time in Charleston, both the city and the club were fantastic.  Unfortunately I am not able to make it back much but do keep in touch with friends there.

NQ:  With your past connection with the Battery do you ever speak professionally about Battery player with Coach Anhaueser or the Battery?

MW:  Occasionally, we have spoken a few times about players and brought Jose Cuevas in last year to train with us.

NQ:  You were known as a hard nose tough defender, does that transfer to your coaching style or are you more of a "good cop" to other coaches"bad cop"?

MW:  I think I am quite a laid back coach but probably still have a little bit in me from time to time!

NQ:  Anything you would like to add?

MW:  Yes, I would like to thank the club for having me there for five great years!

If you get a chance, watch a couple San Jose games this season and you'll be sure to see Coach Watson on the sidelines.

Thanks Watto for answering our questions and best of luck!

The 2013 season Schedule

The much anticipated release of the 2013 Season schedule was announced Thursday.  Now we can all get on with planning our life for the next seven months as we all look to the dates to see when we can squeeze in vacations, plan road trips and finally set that wedding date!

This season we get 14 home matches and 14 away matches for a 28 match season, four more matches than last season.  This season we get eight Saturday matches, three Friday matches a pair of Wednesday matches and one Thursday match.  That is two more Saturday matches than last season. And only one back to back match, over all it looks to be a pretty favorable schedule.

Also this season we play every team twice, once at home and once.  The exception is Antigua.  They will play their entire schedule on the road.  While not sure what the reasoning is behind this it will definitively be be a tiresome schedule for the Barracudas.

For the traveling fans, road trips to Charlotte and Wilmington this season will mean potentially missing a day of work as the Charlotte away match is on Tuesday and the Wilmington match is on a Friday night.

The away date in Richmond is on a Saturday but the six hour trip each way will likely require a hotel stay somewhere.  And with the addition of the expansion team in Tampa, the Battery will play Orlando on a Thursday night followed by a short trip down Interstate 4 to Tampa for a match up against them on a Saturday night which would be a great little trip to Florida.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds new stadium

Another trip worth checking out is one to Pittsburgh on Saturday June 11.  If you haven't been following the Riverhounds this off season,  they have built a nice looking stadium that overlooks downtown Pittsburgh and would be great to see a match there during its inaugural year.

Under the new MLS/USL agreement the Battery  will play two matches against Houston Dynamo's reserve squad this year.  Houston has a great new stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium, and with direct flights to Houston from Charleston starting around $300 RT, might make a good trip as well.

Houston Dynamo's BBVA Compass Stadium

Which match ups are you most excited by?  And which potential road trips are you likely to make?  Let us know!
















Charleston Battery 2013 USL PRO Schedule 
Charleston @ Richmond Saturday, April 13 7:00PM 
Charleston vs. Antigua Saturday, April 20 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. Pittsburgh Saturday, April 27 7:30PM 
Charleston @ Harrisburg Wednesday, May 01 7:00PM
Charleston @ Dayton Friday, May 03 7:00PM 
Charleston vs. Wilmington Saturday, May 11 7:30PM 
Charleston @ Charlotte Tuesday, May 14 7:00PM 
Charleston @ Houston Sunday, May 19 TBD 
Charleston vs. Rochester Saturday, May 25 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. Harrisburg Friday, May 31 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. Charlotte Wednesday, June 05 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. Houston Saturday, June 08 7:30PM 
Charleston @ Pittsburgh Saturday, June 15 7:00PM 
Charleston @ Rochester Sunday, June 16 4:05PM 
Charleston vs. Tampa Saturday, June 22 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. Orlando Friday, July 05 7:30PM 
Charleston @ Orlando Thursday, July 11 7:30PM 
Charleston @ Tampa Saturday, July 13 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. Dayton Friday, July 19 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. Phoenix Wednesday, July 24 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. LA Saturday, July 27 7:30PM 
Charleston @ Wilmington Friday, August 02 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. Richmond Saturday, August 3 7:30PM 
Charleston @ LA Thursday, August 08 7:30PM 
Charleston @ Phoenix Saturday, August 10 7:30PM 
Charleston vs. Antigua Thursday, August 15 7:30PM 

28 Days...

That is how many days left until the Battery take back to the pitch at Blackbaud Stadium and the start of the 10th Carolina Challenge Cup.   If you haven't seen the photos of the field from the Battery's twitter or Facebook feed, it is looking fantastic.  Even the practice pitch looks like a putting green.

Last week the Battery finished up the second of two open trials.  I had a chance to stop by for the Friday session and noticed a few players that likely will be given a shot at the Battery invite trials happening the week prior to the Carolina Challenge Cup. Three players of note were recent Cuban defectors, Maikel Chang, Heviel Cordoves and goalkeeper, Odisnel Cooper.  While I didn't see much of Cooper, both Chang and Cordoves looked good.   The three Cubans walked out of their hotel in Canada the day before a World Cup Qualifier between Cuba and Canada in late October before finding their way to the United States and seem to have impressed the Battery.

The next trial is an invite trial which will take place the weekend of February 9.  While the list isn't out for this trial, it is typically made up of a few players from each of the Battery's past trials and scouting trips plus a few other players with some experience playing at the professional level. Several of those players will be asked to stay for the Carolina Challenge Cup and will join the Battery players signed for 2013.

That 2013 Battery roster is still kind of in limbo right now. While nothing is confirmed yet it looks like Colin Falvey is returning along with Mark Wiltse and Taylor Mueller.  Battery's perinatal Johnny Wilson has been helping with the trials so he looks to be ready for 2013.  Nicki Paterson is rumored to be returning but does have a trial with the New York Red Bulls. Jose Cuevas who had a trial in San Jose after the USL season ended is thought to currently be on trial in Seattle.  No word on the two African players, Michael Azira and Amadou Sanyang but both would be welcomed back from the quality of their play last season.

Gone for sure are Kyle Hoffer and Tony Donatelli, both to new USL Pro squad VSI Tampa Bay Flames.

Besides the new team in Tampa Bay,  Phoenix Wolves will join the LA Blues out west.  Both have presented some nice stadium options.  Phoenix will expand Arizona States soccer stadium while Tampa has audacious plans to build a phased stadium that will begin with a 6-8,000 modular seat stadium.   They have announce plans to start play in 2013 but with less than 90 days until the season begins, they are pressed for time to make that happen.

Those two expansion teams will bring the league up to 13 teams, with all 11 teams from last year returning for 2013 with Pittsburgh Riverhounds lead by former Battery players Jason Kutney and Justin Evans, will open their new 3000+ stadium that looks to be a gem.

Still no official word on the potential MLS/USL partnership but there was an encouraging tweet from the usually accurate IMSoccer that said sources are telling him a deal was reached and should be announce shortly.

The Battery front office have been busy this off-season, hosting several events at Blackbaud.    A new Charleston Battery website is set to be launched in early February and the Battery will also introduce a new kit and a new sponsor.

Expect more news and information to begin to leak out as the season fast approaches.  See you at the 'Baud for the Carolina Challenge Cup.  

Carolina Challenge Cup

Christmas is around the corner with only three weeks until the fat man with the beard comes and hopefully leaves me something besides a lump a coal.  Almost exciting is that in just over 10 weeks, the Carolina Challenge Cup kicks off.

The 2013 Carolina Challenge Cup will be played February 16 through 23 at Blackbaud Stadium.  The 10th anniversary of the annual preseason tournament will feature the Chicago Fire, Vancouver Whitecaps, and the runners up to the 2012 MLS Cup, the Houston Dynamo and of course, The Charleston Battery.

Tickets are now on sale and more details can be found at the Battery's website www.charlestonbattery.com

The Regiment is looking forward to hosting its usual tailgates and depending on demand, a return of the annual supporters pub crawl.

In other news around USL Pro.  look for two new teams joining in 2013.  First off is the Phoenix Wolves FC.  Based in Phoenix, Arizona, they will be a much needed addition to the West Coast.

Also coming in will be The Tampa Bay Flames based in Tampa Bay, Florida.  This looks to be an instant rival with the Orlando City Lions.  They have lofty goals and plan on constructing a new temporary stadium for the 2013 season.

Also entering the league in 2014 is Sacramento  with an experienced ownership group and a home stadium already, they will be holding a "Name the team" contest 

Look for more updates on the players and Battery news over the next couple weeks.

150 Days To Go.....

At least that is the rough amount of days to go until the tentative start of the 2013 Carolina Challenge Cup and the unofficial start of the Battery's 21 season as a club.

Battery players and fan celebrate the 2012 Championship
after the match in the Three Lion's Pub!

Year 20 was pretty impressive culminating in the being crowned the USL Pro 2012 Champions.   Congratulation to the players, staff and owners that made it happen!  As a fan, nothing is more special than watching our team lift that trophy!  That is four championship titles in 20 years,  three in 10 years and two in the last 3 years.  4 in 20, 3 in 10, 2 in 3... sounds like the beginning of a chant to me.  Surely someone can come up with something for next season).

So what do we do for the next five months?  Luckily we can still get our live soccer fix as the College of Charleston.  CofC had a two goal lead over #1 rank Maryland this past Saturday only to see them come back and defeat the cougars 3-2.

There is also pleanty of soccer to watch on the TV between MLS, US matches and of course all the European Leagues.  For those the best place to watch is at the Madra Rua in North Charleston.  A great pub if you have never been and even more great of opening their doors at 7:30 in the morning for the bigger BPL matches.

Of course, you can also join the wild speculation online at Bigsoccer.com or one of the other discussion forums.  Discuss the future of USL Pro, NASL, why MLS is hampering the US development, and hundreds   other topics, some very compelling while others are outright insane.

Of course you can help us build a stronger and louder supporters group.  The Regiment meets the second Tuesday of each month to discuss tailgates, roadtrips, and the like.  You can find more info at the Regiment facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Regiment/179290777617

In player news, a few of the boys are "guest" and are training with MLS clubs,  Nicki Paterson with New York Red Bulls,  Ryan Richter with the Philadelphia Union, Tyler Mueller with the Seattle Sounders.  Dane Kelly and Navion Boyd are back in Jamaica both playing with Tivoli Gardens.  If you know where any of the other players are during the off season, drop us a line and let us know!

Hopefully we'll have a few off season updates over the next few months.  But until then you can always re-watch Battery matches at www.uslnation.com!

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

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.

Battery add Pair of Keepers

Alec Kann and Kevin Klasila were announced by the Charleston Battery as the clubs latest signings.

Kann a four year starter at Clint Dempsey's alma mata Furman University, stands at 6' 4".

Klasila from Santa Clara University has a great personality.  He made a point of speaking with many of the fan that were at the Battery meet and greet just prior to the Carolina Challenge Cup.

Kann has been getting the starts and most time during the few preseason matches we have witnessed.  Klasila had an inauspicious start with the Battery after giving up a soft goal during the Carolina Challenge Cup when a powerful shot from then DC United now Battery trialist Ryan Richter went through his hands.  other than that he has looked solid.

Best of luck to both players and welcome to Charleston!

Battery Win Pair of Preseason Matches

The Charleston Battery defeated the College of Charleston and Clemson University in a pair of preseason matches yesterday at Blackbaud Stadium.

In the first match of the day, Charleston took on the College of Chalreston and won from a goal from Battery trialist Matt Kassel.

The Battery started mostly signed players in the first match. The Battery controlled large portions of the game with the College of Charleston mostly trying to score from quick counter attacks that rarely bothered the Battery keeper.

Rumored to be coming to Charleston, former Seattle Sounder player, Amadou Sanyang did indeed appear and played the entire match.  He looked to fit in well in the defensive midfield role.

In the second Charleston match of the day, the Battery beat Clemson University 2-0.  Goals from Charlie Romero and Moses Aduny gave the Battery the win.   The Battery played this match with mostly unsigned players with exception on Sean Flatley, JC Mack and Zack Prince who played right back.  One player that really stood out was Ryan Richter who most recently was on a two month trial with DC United and scored for United against Charleston in the Carolina Challenge Cup.  He did well controlling the right side of midfield for the Battery making several nice runs and delivering some nice crosses.

Bookending the two Battery matches,  the College of Charleston defeated Clemson University 1-0.

Next up for the Battery is a preseaon match against Wilmington Hammerheads Saturday Mach 24.  Time of kickoff is currently set for 4pm at Blackbaud stadium .

2012 and 20 years Strong

We haven't gone away, just hibernating over the winter months but now that the weather is turning nice we are waking up from our slumber and are hungry for some live soccer!

The Battery is coming together for the 2012 season.  Gone to MLS are Andrew Dykstra and Alex Caskey.  Mike Zaher has moved on to the Rochester Rhinos but coming back are Nicki Paterson, Colin Falvey, Sean Flatley, JC Mack, Mark Wiltse, Zack Prince and from the look of things, Dane Kelly and John Wilson.

New boys to the team include defender Kyle Hoeffer from FC New York and midfielder Jose Cuevas from PDL's Fresno Fuego.  Both seem to have settled in nicely and we look forward to great season from both.

Look for more names to be added including a couple former MLS players.

In the mean time, head on down to Blackbaud to check out a pair of preseason matches this Saturday, March 17.  At 10am the Battery take on Clemson University and then at 2pm the boys will take on the College of Charleston.

Look for some big things off the pitch as well.  The Regiment in the process of producing a huge new banner for E10, organizing a bus trip to Wilmington on Aug 4th and producing a limited run of 20 anniversary scarves!

Up the Battery

Battery announce DC as first team in the 2012 Carolina Challenge Cup

With the MLS season winding down and the USL season more than two month in, we have some news about the 2012 Carolina Challenge Cup.   DC United will return for the annual preseason tournament which will take place between February 25 to March 3.  This will be United's seventh visit to Charleston having won the round-robin tournament the last two years in a row.

It will also be a chance for the Battery to take back the Coffee Pot Cup.

Speculation about the remaining teams participating will continue until the Battery front office announce the two other MLS teams but we can eliminate a few teams.

Earlier in the week Walt Disney World announced its Pro Soccer Classic which will feature eight teams during the same week as the CCC.  So far, the teams announced are Toronto FC, Sporting KC and Orlando City Lions.  That press release mentioned five MLS teams will participate in that tournament so it is safe to say neither SKC or TFC will make the trip to the Lowcountry.

The Colorado Rapids would seem out as well as they have announced plans to play in Hawaii between February 24 to 26

Also looking at the CONCACAF Champions league calendar, the first leg of the quarterfinals will take place on March 5 or 6.  Their are three remaining MLS teams still in the CCL:  LA, Seattle and Toronto.  While Toronto is playing the week prior in Orlando, it remains to be seen if Seattle or LA would crowd their schedules with so much on the line.

 Keep your eye here at No Quarter for more news and rumors.

Where are they Now? Brandon Massie

A recent article on the Potomac Soccer Wire Battery player Brandon Massie will be playing with newly fromed Norfolk SharX in the USL indoor league (MISL)

Brandon originally hails from the area and he was excited about being close to home.

"I was excited to learn that Norfolk might have a team and I knew I wanted to come home and give it a shot. Now that I've made it, I'm so happy to be a part of this community again. I am also happy that my parents will be able to see me play again. I've been playing in Charleston for two seasons and with them at the games in Norfolk it will be just like old times!"

You can learn more about the Norfolk Sharx by visiting their website www.norfolksharx.com

Good luck to Brandon!

Where are they now: JC Mack

The Return of the Mack.

Last season, JC Mack was sidelined after showing promise down the wings for the Battery.  His recovery has been slow but Mack is a fighter and has been working hard to be ready to be back on the pitch when the season starts up in 2012. 

Here is a video he put together and in case you didn't know, JC is a bit of musician as well.  I'm pretty sure he wrote the rap and put together the samples for his latest video.

 

"All men are created equal, some work harder in preseason!"  

We'll be keeping you updated with

Back in the Hunt!

After a couple weeks in Jolly Ole England, No Quarter is back at would looks like the biggest match of the year for the Battery this Friday night!

After Charleston's disappointing run their last three matches ( losses to 1-0 Rochester, 1-0 Orlando and 2-1 Orlando) and Charlotte strong finish to the season, Charlotte could have wrapped up the final playoff spot in the American Division Wednesday night when they played Harrisburg City Islanders.  Thankfully for Battery fans, Harrisburg scored in the 87th minute to give the City Islanders a 1-0 win and leaving the final playoff spot still there to be claimed in the final match of the season when Charleston goes head to head with Charlotte Friday night.

And that set up that must have the USL brass smiling.  The head to head, winner takes the final playoff spot scenario is televised on live on Fox Soccer Channel nationwide.  A season finale, showcasing two local rivals, in one of the premier soccer stadiums in the United States with what looks to be a packed crowd.  A better script couldn't have been written.

And if that isn't enough it is also the final match of the Southern Derby Cup.  Charleston will win the fan based cup with a win or a draw.  Charlotte will in it if they score more than 3 goals and Wilmington will claim the title with a Charlotte win with less than a 2 goal margin. 

Charlotte will advance to the post season with a win or a draw.  As mentioned, they lost their latest match against Harrisburg but with favorable results in two tough road matches, Charlotte pulled itself out of the bottom of the table and have become a contender late in the season.  Knowing a draw will put them through, the Battery will have to press hard throughout the match to get the result they need.

Charleston is going in feeling a bit unlucky as the there have been several matches where the team has out played its opponent but not gotten the result.  It comes as no surprise that lack of goals is the primary issue for the club this year.  Charleston have yet to score more than two goals per match and only the Dayton Dutch Lions have scored as few goals at the Battery (20 so far) and the Lions have only won two matches this season.

Hopefully there will be a goal glut for the Battery as they push for the post season.  JC Mack looks like he will still be unavailable for the match with his ankle injury and Johnny Wilson will be sitting this one out due to a red card suspension he picked up in the dying moments the Orlando match.  Also it appears Kelly may have tweaked his ankle during practice but it sounds like he should be fine for the match.

Finally, a big thanks to the CoachGT and Toronto FC's Red Patch Boys who brought down a banner they made as a gesture of thanks for the Regiment and the Battery's hospitality over the years during the Carolina Challenge Cup.  Looks awesome Coach and we appreciate it very much!

Up the Battery!!!

Battery v. Portsmouth FC

We'll No Quarter has been a little quite lately but that is because, I am currently in England.  Combining a family visit with a wedding plus some much needed R&R for the weary, things are going well.  When the fixture list came out, this looked like the perfect time to head accross the pond, missing only one match in a three week period.

Then the announcement came for the Portsmouth match.

It always is disappointing to miss a match, but a match against and English opponent is even more disappointing.  And when it is a club with the history of Portsmouth, it can be down right disappointing.
  Fortuanately, this is the age of the Internet and if things go well,  I'll be wearing my Battery Jersey, watching the match on http://www.usllive.com/, listening via a radio broadcast or at the very least following Twitter updates.

For those in the neighborhood, make sure you get to this match.

Here is a good link from my fellow Battery blogger in the lead up to the big match.

Who is this Blue Army? from the Beautiful Game

Up the Battery!!!

Charleston take on Orlando

Saturday, the Charleston Battery will take on Orlando City FC in the first regular season match up. 

The Battery faced Orlando in a tight match during the US Open Cup but a defensive error gave the visiting team the 1-0 win.

Orlando is currently the top of USL Pro, where as Charleston is sitting in third place in the American Division.   With the American Division standings very tight, a win is vital for the Battery to keep ahead of a emerging Charlotte and Wilmington teams. 

The Battery look to have a full squad available with the exception of JC Mack (foot).  Defender Graham Dugoni returned to training this week after a long absence due to a back injury.  Former Battery midfielder Ian Fuller, now an assistant/player coach with Orlando, began training this week after nursing a injury but it is uncertain if he will play.   



The Battery may be able to take advantage of a tired Orlando squad.  They play a match Friday night against the Dayton Dutch Lions in Orlando.  They will then make the 6 to 7 hour trek up the I-95 to Charleston and play the Battery less than 24 hours later. 


The Regiment will also be hosting a large tailgate.  More than 50 fans from Orlando will be make the trip up to the match and we are having an eclectic menu:  hot dogs, spare ribs and a couple types of curry!  please come by and join us. 


The Regiment will also be collecting money and clothes for the Andrew Pascoe family.  Andrew is a big Battery and Regiment supporter who's house was loss to a fire on Wednesday morning.  Everyone in the family made it out safely but they lost everything in the fire.  

Please come by and put something in the jar at the tailgate.  If you can't make the tailgate, The Regiment will be raffling off an autographed Battery jersey and proceeds from the raffle will also go the Pascoe family.  Raffle tickets are $1 or 6 for $5 and will be available under the West Stands before the match and during half-time.

The Battery are also offering family four packs for the match.  $30 gets you four tickets, four hot dogs and four drinks.  Contact the Battery for more details.

And if that's not enough for you, the annual Clash of the Carolinas will be taking place prior to the the Battery match.  The Clash of the Carolinas pits the top high school boys and girls from South Carolina against the top from North Carolina.  The girls match starts at 1:30pm and the boys match at 4:00pm. For rosters and more information check out the Clash of the Carolinas website .

Busy weekend for the Battery

This weekend sees the Battery with two matches.  One away on Friday night and one at home on Saturday night.

Friday nights away match is against Wilmington Hammerheads.  This match will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and there is a Watch Party hosted by the Regiment to watch the match at the Madra Rua in North Charleston.   The Game kicks off at 8pm but some of us will start congregating there around 7.  Come on down, support your local team and get some food and drinks at a pub that has been very supportive of Battery and for that matter all soccer fans!

Saturday, the Battery will be home against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.  It is Toy's for Tots night and if you bring a NEW and UNWRAPPED toy, you will receive FREE admission.  Also there will be a Teddy Bear toss at half time so bring out your stuff animal but try to wait til halftime to throw them (we know sometimes the refs can be tempting targets!)



The Regiment will also be firing up the grills around 5:30pm near the East Stand Entrance!  Come join the Battery Supporters Group for some grub (looks like Hot Dogs and whatever others bring) and a pre- match bevvie or two and support the Battery!

Also kicking off at 9pm that night the USA will play Mexico at the Rose Bowl in LA (hearing it is already sold out)  in the Championship match of the Gold Cup.  I know the Three Lions will have it on but if you are headed back downtown, check out O'Malley's on King Street or head over to Madra Rua in North Charleston. 

Finally, the Regiment have set a date for the Player Appreciation Picnic.  It will be August 14 so if you want to go and haven't renewed your Regiment membership for 2011 yet, there is still time.  More details about the picnic out in the next couple weeks.

More on Regal F.C.

The folks over at www.thecup.us do a fabulous job keeping everyone up to date on the US Open Cup.   Complete with a history of the Open Cup dating back to 1914, Stats and a handy bracket for this years competition, I highly recommend heading to their site and checking it out.

They recently ran an article about the Battery's first round opponents, Regals F.C.  Here is a snippet from the article.

“This is our opportunity to show America what Houston soccer is all about, and this is my opportunity to show the Battery staff that I have what it takes to play professional soccer,” said Sanchez.
Hernandez added, “I feel very confident that we will do well. We are not traveling 18 hours to come back home without a win.”
The Battery’s league and tournament credentials of repeated success do not seem to intimidate Regals.
“We are not any more afraid of the Battery than we were of Puebla FC, FC Dallas or the New Orleans Jesters,” Landaverde said, referring to previous friendlies. “We feel that we can play with anybody. I have a lot of faith in this group and most importantly, they have a lot of faith in each other. Playing upper division teams is how we gauge our progress. This match is entirely different. This match has meaning.”

Read the rest of the article here.

US Open Cup; Battery take on Regals FC

Tuesday night starts the US Open Cup for 2011 where the Charleston Battery take on Regal F.C., an amateur team out of Houston, Texas.    One of the oldest cup competitions in the world, it doesn't garner the attention it deserves from main stream media, but the potential for upsets and the underdog winning will keep most soccer fans interested.

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Charleston has always taken the US Open Cup seriously, advancing to the finals in 2008 against DC United.  A equally fought match that with some controversial calls during the match that the Battery loss 2-1.   The Battery has been successful making it to the later stages of the knock out cup for many years.

This years first round opponent, Regal F.C. is a very organized amateur club out of Houston, Texas.  looking at their roster they seem to have a lot of Mexican and Central American players on the team.  We have been told that they have a hard work ethic and play and attractive style of soccer and they are excited to be playing in the fine facility the Battery have and against a professionally run club in a quality stadium..  With nothing to lose, we expect them to come out hard as making it to this point in the USOC is a big accomplishment for the team.

Charleston has been idle since the last minute 1-0 defeat in Harrisburg nearly 10 days ago.  The boys have had a few day of rest and recuperation but have been training hard.  A few of them said last week they didn't know exactly what to expect of Regal FC but that they take the US Open Cup serious and they want to win.

But who will take the field on Tuesday night?  On one hand,  time between competitive games gives the squad time to heal but it can also cause a squad to loss its edge and become "rusty".  This match could allow Auggie to stretch the legs of the starters and have them ready to go for Friday nights match up against Dayton.

On the other hand, on paper the Battery should win this even if they don't play there starters.  Most of the fringe players will be looking to impress and should put out a hard working performance trying to impress the Coach Anhaueser.

We at No Quarter believe we'll see something in the middle, a mix of starters and fringe players in the opening 45 minutes, followed by a few subs of fringe for starters and depending on score line, some of the starters to come off for a few other players.

As far as injuries, barring any mishaps at practice, Dugoni and Peverly are the only two that wont be available for the match.

The Baud will only be open  on the West side as typical for early round USOC matches, so E10 will be in W10 for the match.  Tickets are only $5 and season ticket holders get complementary tickets to this match which can be picked up at will call on game day or the office Monday or Tuesday.