September 2, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Charleston Battery News Release
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery return home to host New York Red Bulls II on Saturday, September 3. Kickoff at Patriots Point is slated for 7 p.m. ET.
Saturday will be the second meeting in less than a month between Charleston and New York. The two clubs met on August 12 in Montclair, New Jersey, a match won 1-3 by the Battery. Aidan Apodaca bagged a brace and Augustine Williams converted from the penalty spot in the triumph.
New York arrive in Charleston after drawing 3-3 with Hartford Athletic at home. The Baby Bulls held a 3-1 lead through the 90th minute but collapsed in stoppage time. Hartford bagged a pair of goals before the final whistle to share the spoils. Jonathan Filipe notched a brace for New York.
The Battery return home after battling Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in a 0-0 draw at Highmark Stadium. Neither side gave way in a match that was highlighted by defense. Battery goalkeeper Daniel Kuzemka tallied three saves while recording his first clean sheet as a professional in just the second start of his rookie season.
Charleston will be seeking their first-ever win at home against New York. Since 2015, the Battery have a 0W-4L-5D home record against Red Bulls II.
Saturday will also be the final meeting between Charleston and New York as Red Bulls II will be leaving the USL Championship for MLS NEXT Pro in 2023.
One to watch for the Battery is Enock Kwakwa. The midfielder missed three games in August due to a red card suspension and was an impact player during his return match against Pittsburgh. He tallied seven duels won, five recoveries, one clearance and one interception.
Filipe is one to keep an eye on for New York. In addition to the brace on Wednesday, he also had one chance created, three tackles won, six recoveries and nine duels won.
Defender Leland Archer is nearing the century mark of appearances with the Battery. The center-back currently has 94 caps for the club
FROM THE TRAINING GROUND
The Battery returned to training on Friday after a period of travel from Pittsburgh and recovery on Thursday.
Head Coach Conor Casey and defender Matt Sheldon discussed the upcoming match against New York, with key quotes below.
Coach Casey on the positivities against Pittsburgh to build on for this weekend…
The big positive from the Pittsburgh game was the zero, we didn’t get scored on. We want to keep clean sheets, we’ve set some short-term goals…