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 Charleston Battery

Battery heads to Vancouver for USL1 season opener

April 9, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery heads to Vancouver, BC Saturday (April 11) for it's first game of the USL First Division season against the Vancouver Whitecaps (10 PM, Sports Radio 1450 AM). The Battery faces a stern test against the Whitecaps who are the current USL champions; Vancouver defeated the Puerto Rico Islanders 2-1 in last seasons championship match.

The Battery has enjoyed an extended pre-season that began back in early March with the Carolina Challenge Cup. In its last two pre-season outings the Battery defeated the Charlotte Eagles (USL2) 2-0 and tied the Wilmington Hammerheads (USL2) 1-1.

Saturday night could mark the debut of several new faces in the Charleston Battery squad including forwards Dan Antoniuk and Tom Heinemann. Antoniuk joined the team late Tuesday after the conclusion of the indoor season. Head coach Mike Anhaeuser will be without the services of new midfielder Scott Buete who will not join the team until Monday.

Forward Randi Patterson and veteran midfielder Stephen Armstrong rejoined the squad this week after missing the majority of pre-season due to indoor commitments. In all, the Battery roster features nine players from the team that advanced to the 2008 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup final.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are led by second year head coach Teitur Thordarson who got off to a fast start in the USL in 2008 posting a 18-9-8 record on the way to winning the USL title.

Thordarson retained striker Charles Gbeke who returns to Vancouver for a second season following a mid-season trade with the Montreal Impact. Gbeke scored both goals in the championship game. Vancouver lost the other half of its front pairing however as veteran forward Eduardo Sebrango transferred to the Impact during the off-season.

The Vancouver roster includes 2008 Battery defender Marco Reda who joined the Whitecaps after being released by Charleston. Vancouver also picked up former College of Charleston defender Wes Knight.

One new addition who will not be available for the Whitecaps Saturday night is former New York Red Bulls defender Jeff Parke who will miss the first four league matches of 2009, as he serves the remainder of a 10-match suspension received last season for violation of the MLS Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Policy.

Vancouver completed its pre-season schedule last Friday with a 1-1 tie versus the Portland Timbers; defender Wesley Charles scored the lone goal for the 'Caps.

Vancouver was recently awarded a Major League Soccer expansion franchise and will begin play in MLS in 2011; the Whitecaps have already sold over 4,500 season tickets deposits for the new MLS franchise.

Saturday's match is available locally on the radio via Sports Radio 1450 AM with the pre-game show starting at 9:45 PM. The game is also available via a live video feed at USLlive.com; in 2009 this service is being provided at no charge to fans.

Following Saturday's season opener in Vancouver the Charleston Battery returns to Blackbaud Stadium on Saturday, April 18 to take on the Montreal Impact in the 2009 home opener (7:30 PM, $10 - $18, (843) 971-GOAL www.charlestonbattery.com).

Charleston Battery Season Tickets Charleston Battery season ticket packages are on sale now starting at only $150. A limited number of Three Lions Club memberships are also still available. To purchase a season ticket package or for more information please call, (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Charleston Battery @ Vancouver Whitecaps

Swangaurd Stadium, Vancouver, BC

10 PM, Saturday April 11 (USL1 Season Opener)

Radio: Sports Radio 1450 AM

Internet: USLlive.com (live video)

Next Home Match

Charleston Battery vs Montreal Impact

Blackbaud Stadium, Daniel Island

7:30 PM, Saturday, April 18 (2009 Home Opener)

$10 - $18, 971-GOAL / charlestonbattery.com

For more information, please call (843) 971-4625 or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.


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