Battery takes on Richmond for the final time this season
In their final matchup of 2017, the Battery look to get back in the win column against their oldest rivals
Tonight, the Battery return home for the first time since August 12th. Seriously. Over a month.
It has been a long time for the Boys in Black and Yellow, who have not played any match in two weeks with their last match getting postponed due to Hurricane Irma. Everyone in Charleston is hoping the long layoff is just what the team needed to spark another late season run into the playoffs.
Charleston is 11 points away from locking up a playoff spot with six games to go, but right now their eyes are still on a top four spot, which will take more than 11 points to secure. A top four spot would earn another home playoff match, and everyone in the USL Eastern Conference knows how hard it is to travel to Charleston and earn a victory.
There is a lot on the line Saturday night: a top four spot in the table, bragging rights over their oldest rivals, and a chance to move up the table in the battle for the Old Guard Shield.
With a win, the Battery could move into 2nd place in that table and put extra pressure on Pittsburgh, who can win the shield with a win over Rochester on 10/7. If Richmond wins on Saturday, they could pull even with Pittsburgh on points, and in that case the Old Guard Shield could be decided by goal differential. No matter what, it will be a wild finish in the battle for the inaugural Old Guard Shield (as well as for the USL Eastern Conference).
Return of Kann
Atlanta United keeper Alec Kann has been loaned to the Battery as he works to get back to his MLS club for their playoff push. Back in 2012, Kann played for the Battery and was a part of the club’s last championship. He did spend most of the season injured, but he also made the jump to the MLS after the 2012 season. He is expected to start on Saturday night.
Game Details
What: Charleston Battery vs. Richmond Kickers (USL regular season)
Where: MUSC Health Stadium, Charleston
When: 7:00pm ET
#CHSvRIC
Past Meetings (Results are for Charleston)
2017 (USL)
1–3 (Loss)
1–0 (Win)
2016 (USL)
2–1 (Win)
1–1 (Draw)
2–0 (Win)
2015 (USL)
2–1 (Win) USL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
2–0 (Win)
1–1 (Draw)
2–2 (Draw)
Recent Form
Battery: L | L | W | D | L
Richmond: W | L | W | W | L
Moyer’s Match Prediction:
It is impossible for me to see the Battery losing at home, late in the season, to their oldest rival, with 2 weeks of rest and a top 4 spot in the east on the line. Impossible.
However, their matches with Richmond are always tough and close, so I do not predict a blowout. Instead, I see a low scoring game with a lot of tough defense. In the end, Charleston comes out on top with a big goal from SUPER Romario Williams.
Final Score: Battery WIN 1–0
Southern Derby Cup
After the Battery take on their oldest rivals on Saturday night, they turn their sites to their newest rivals, the Charlotte Independence. There will be a lot on the line with Charlotte pushing for a top-two spot in the east, but more important, this one will count in this year’s Southern Derby. The Southern Derby Cup is one of the longest-running supporter-owned rivalries where pro clubs from the Carolinas face each other for a chance to hoist a supporters owned cup.
I will have some more on the Southern Derby Cup before the Battery’s match with the Charlotte Independence on 9/20.
Thanks for reading! Be sure to check back after the games for our recaps, read all our Battery coverage here, and as always, follow @SoccerNSweetTea on Twitter for all the latest Carolina soccer news.
