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 Win Dramatic Semi Final match over Rhinos

Its been awhile since we have update our blog.  Life seems to get in the way sometimes.  but every now and then and event comes around that makes us remember why we started this blog in the first place.

Friday night as about 75 people gathered the televisions in the Three Lions Pub at Blackbaud Stadium, we witnessed a one of the most dramatic Battery matches seen in more than a decade.  It had it all, two early injuries, a crushing 54 minute Rhinos goal, a last second equalizer by Tony Donatelli to force the game in to extra time.  All that was followed up a frantic paced 30 minutes with close calls, near misses and end the end, the dramatic penalty kicks.

Andrew Dykrstra came up huge in the eight rounds, saving three pks.  But the man who stepped up and put the Battery into the final was JC Mack.

The guys over at the Beautiful Game have a great write up of the match

In the world of sports, good games are usually remembered for a few days but often forgotten when the next match rolls around.  Great games sometimes become the high point of the season with maybe a play or two finding a place in our mental highlight reels.  Then, in an entirely separate category, are the monumental contests in which legends are born, showcasing such passion and persistence, where seconds of brilliance become defining moments, to be remembered forever from the smallest fan to the seasoned executive. 

Read the rest at his great blog HERE 


there are a couple great videos floating around
The first is a highlight reel of all the goals can be found at this link

Second here is one of the celebration up in the Three Lions after JC Mack put the boys into the big show.

The Championship match is Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium against the Wilmington Hammerheads.  It should be a great crowd with an even better atmosphere.  Be there and support the boys.  Up the Battery

Half Way There!

No Quarter is back after another long layoff!

Since our last update, the Battery loss close battle for first place in Orlando 2-1 but have since rebounded with two wins at home including a 3-0 win over Antigua and a 3-1 win over Harrisburg.

Those game have seen some great goals by league leading scorer, Nicki Paterson and Jose "Chiva" Cuevas.

Nicki's goal in Orlando was one any striker would have been proud of, a beautiful one touch volley from about 25 yards out and his free kick against Antigua is his third of the year from about 20 to 25 yards out.

Cuevas' goal last week against Harrisburg was a combination of ball skills and power.  Deftly controlling the ball, followed by a scissor kick to crush the back of the net.  The Battery have scored 23 goals in 12 matches so far, second behind Orlando's 25 goals.  The also have only given up 8 goals, tied for first in goals allowed.

At the Battery's half way point in the season, they sit in second place with 27 points, 5 points behind Orlando but have one game in hand.

The Battery still play Orlando two more time this season the chance to take first place in within our reach.

The Battery play two matches this weekend in Antigua.  The boys traveled down today and seem to be adjusting well to the tough condition the island nation must offer (insert sarcastic emo-con here!)

Although the Battery have out scored Antigua 7-0 in the last two matches, anything can happen.  The stadium, referees, bad blood (remember, Dane Kelly got a right hook from one of their players in the last Antigua match!), all this leads up to the boys needing to keep their head straight, focus on the task and just keep doing what they have been doing all season.

Andrew Dykstra loan extension seems to be week to week now, with another extension which will should see him play the matches this weekend.  Kevin Klasila is back in one-on-one training with Battery's goal keeper coach, Dusty Huddock after a ligament tear to his thumb.  He should be training with the full team next week if all goes well.

You can watch the matches online at www.uslnation.com and join a few Battery faithful in their online chat feature.

Friday, June 30 7:00pm
Sunday July 1, 7:00pm

You can also listen online via the Battery website or on 1340am locally.

Road Warriors!

After a 3-0 defeat by the NY Red Bulls in the U.S. Open Cup, the Battery made the trip north for a two-match, four-day journey that would see the team playing a total of four matches in seven day.

Most people would say that after playing a tough match on Tuesday night, getting a result on the road would be great, getting two would be increadible.

But that is exactly what the boys did, while logging more than 1500 miles and 24 hours on the road.  No small feat to be sure.

Auggie played a mixture of regular starters and bench players on Thursday night when the Battery took on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.  The Battery scored two goals just before the half from Nicki Paterson and then a third in the second half by Dane Kelly.   The lone Pittsburgh goal coming from a penalty in the 60 minute, three minutes after former Battery trialist Matt Kassel was sent off with a red card as he deemed to be the last man as he took down Dane Kelly after he got in behind the defense.

Nicki Paterson

Paterson's two goals make him the top scorer in USL Pro with nine games played.

Two days later the Battery took on the Dayton Dutch Lions, coming off a US Open Cup win over MLS's Columbus Crew.

Dayton has not won a match in the USL Pro this season (0-5-4) so it is always tough going up against that type of opponent.

The Battery again started a mix of players and the match seemed equal until the second half when the Battery began to step it up.  Kelly's received a quick throw and crossed to Jose Cuevas, who put away a close range goal in the 70 minute to give him four goals for the season, good enough to be tied for second in goals scored in the league.

With the win Charleston moves to second in the USL Pro standing with 21 points. The Battery has a match in hand over first place Orlando City Lions, at 23 points and third place Rochester Rhinos, at 20 points.

The Battery's next match will be in Orlando against the Lions.  The match will pit first place vs. second place with only two points dividing the two teams.

Up the Battery!

Reading, Blues, Red Bulls and more

Its been an exciting week for Battery fans.  First the Battery faithful found out that Charleston will once again be the host for an English team this summer.  Nottingham Forest will take on the Charleston Battery on July 28 at Blackbaud stadium.  The Battery then defeated Reading United in the USOC on Tuesday and, in turn, will play the New York Red Bulls next Tuesday at the Baud.    On top of all that, the Battery will be home this Saturday to take on the LA Blues in regular league action.

Nottingham Forest so far have announced two matches in America, one against the Orlando City Lions on July 21 and the other here in the Holy City on July 28.  you can read all the details in the Battery's official press release.

In Tuesday's USOC match, the Battery defeated PDL's Reading United 2-1.  The Battery started off the match well earning five corners in the first 20 minutes.  But Reading soon found there rhythm and the match evened out.  Reading took the lead from a corner kick in the 64 minute.  The Battery quickly responded with a great strike from Dane Kelly.  Nicki Paterson took the lead with an awesome 30 plus yard free kick that would have made David Beckham proud.

With the win, the Battery now take on MLS' New York Red Bulls.  The match should feature a now fit and legend Thierry Henry.  How much time Henry plays is up Red Bulls head coach Hans Backe.  Backe has been criticized in the past to his lacksidasal approach to the US Open Cup but has publicly said he plans to take it more serious this season.

Another member of the technical staff that will be familiar to Battery fans is Red Bulls Goalkeeping coach, Todd Hoffard.  Todd played the 2001 and 2002 seasons with the Battery.

The Battery goalkeeping situation seems to be in flux once again.  As you might recall, both the keepers the Battery signed at the beginning of the season, are currently injured.  Alex Kann suffered a knee injury and is about two months into a four month recovery.  Kevin Klasila suffered torn ligaments in his hand and is close to finishing his recover.   The Battery got DC United and former Battery keeper Andrew Dykstra on loan, but DC United did not want Dykstra to be cup tied to Charleston so he is unable to play in the USOC.  As a result, The Battery have signed two more goalkeepers.  Former Wilmington Hammerhead keeper, Brock Duckworth and a youngster Joseph Wichmann.  When we say youngster, we mean youngster; Wichmann, 17,  is currently a junior at Wando High School and is a member of the Battery's U18 USSF Developmental Academy team.  He has signed with a amateur contract that will allow him to still comply with NCAA rules.

Dykstra loan period as appeared to have end with the Battery.  United's usual number 2 keeper is currently out with an eye injury and Dykstra was on the bench for DC United's match against Toronto FC on May 19.  His latest loan contract expired on May 20.

We will see who is minding the net for the Battery in their match this Saturday against the LA Blues.  The Blues are off to a rough start to the USL Pro season and were knocked out of the USOC by PDL side Ventura County.  They also play a match tonight (May 24) against Orlando City Lions in Orlando, giving them one day rest as they travel to Charleston.

Fixture congestion and squad management will test Battery coach Mike Anhaueser over the next 10 days.  The Battery will play four matches in seven days, with the match Saturday against LA, Tuesday USOC match up with NY Red Bulls, and away match on Thursday against Pittsburgh followed by an away match in Dayton Ohio against the Dayton Dutch Lions.  Brutal to say the least.  Auggie will have to utilize his entire roster over this stretch.

Tailgate for Saturday's game will be chicken and sides.  Bring some beer and/or a side and join us near the East Stand entrance.  We also secured a group rate for Tuesday's USOC match against New York.  Ticket in E10 are only $8 each.  you can get yours at the tailgate on Saturday or prior to the match on Tuesday.

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

Battery News Roundup

This week saw the Battery defeat the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, find out their US Open Cup opponents, saw a couple players make the USL Pro team of the week, and played a match against the Myrtle Beach Mutiny.

Nicki Paterson scored the only goal to give the Battery the 1-0 win over the Riverhounds.  You can read the match review in our post Battery take down Riverhounds.

Also, head over to our friends at The Beautiful Game to read their post match review.

US Soccer also announce the first two round pairings for the 2012 US Open Cup.  The Battery have a by in the first round and will enter in the second round taking on the winner from Reading United AC (PDL) v. NY Greek Americans (USASA).  The match will be played at Blackbaud stadium on Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30pm.

Kudos to Nicki Paterson and Andrew Dykstra for being chosen for the USL Pro team of the week.  Nicki's header and great play and Dykstra's vital saves and keeping a clean sheet were the key to their selection.  John Wilson and Sallieu Bundu were also given honorable mentions.

Photo by Kim Gregory

Sunday, the Battery took on the Myrtle Beach Mutiny, a new NPSL team coached by Patrick Olalere.  Unfortunately, we couldn't make it out to the match but we do know the Battery won 4-0 and JC Mack scored an incredible goal from about 30 yards out. One of the Regiment's own was out there and she shared her photos of the match HERE.

The Battery take on Antigua Barracuda this Friday night for the first time in the Battery's history.   The Barracuda's are virtually the Antigua National team, the same ones that will take on the US Men's National Team June 8 in Tampa, Florida in World Cup Qualifying.

Antigua will play the Wilmington Hammerheads on Wednesday before traveling to Charleston to take on the Battery.  Following the Battery match, Antigua will travel to Trinidad to compete in the qualifing rounds of the CONCACAF Champions League.  It will be interesting to see how their squad approaches the travel and the compact schedule of matches.

Up the Battery