USL Charleston Battery

Battery Continues 20 Year Tradition of Playing International Exhibitions

Published on June 11, 2012 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC. When the Charleston Battery takes on the two-time European champions Nottingham Forest at Blackbaud Stadium on Saturday, July 28 it will continue a twenty year tradition of Charleston hosting and playing international soccer teams. The tradition began in the Battery's inaugural season back in 1993 when Charleston defeated Jamaica's Constant Spring FC 2-1 behind goals from Guy Norcott and Nigel James.

The Battery played a second international exhibition that season losing in May, 1993 1-0 to Latvian side, FK-RAF Riga.

In 1996 the Battery played a different type of international exhibition as it squared off with the US Olympic team as part of the USA's preparations for the Atlanta Olympics. The Battery scored via a Chris Dias goal but lost the game 2-1 in OT.

Following the game against the USMNT it was six years before the Battery would host an international exhibition again as Charleston took on Mexican Primera side Puebla F.C. in July 2002. The game was an ill-tempered affair, Charleston finished the match with nine men after suffering two player ejections - plus a third red card that saw head coach Chris Ramsey sidelined - but the Battery prevailed with Steve Klein scoring the winner in the 2-1 victory.

The following season the Battery hosted a second Mexican side but suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Atlante F.C. The result remains the most lop-sided scoreline among all the international games that the Charleston Battery has played.

In 2004 Charleston took on then English Championship side Sunderland A.F.C winning by a score of two goals to one with a goal from Paul Conway and the game winner scored by Paraguayan midfielder Jesus Martinez. Sunderland's squad included Irish midfielder Liam Lawrence who would make a return visit to Charleston with Portsmouth FC seven years later in 2011.

In 2007 the Battery hosted a second Jamaican Premier League side Village United defeating Village 2-1 with goals from Ian Fuller and Chris Brunt. The Village United game was organized as part of the transfer deal that saw Jamaican internationals Shane Crawford and Omar Daley come to the Battery.

In 2010 it was another English side that visited Blackbaud Stadium as the then EPL Bolton Wanderers defeated the Battery 2-0 in front of a capacity crowd. Then last season Charleston hosted England's Portsmouth F.C. for an extended ten-day training camp that saw the sides meet twice. In the first game - held behind closed doors - the Battery and Pompey played to a 2-2 tie and then in the second match played to a 0-0 tie in front of a boisterous Wednesday night crowd.

Charleston Battery vs Nottingham Forest Game Tickets

Charleston Battery vs Nottingham Forest is presented by the Angie Gainey Bailey Real Estate Team. Tickets for the Battery vs Forest match are on sale now starting at just $15 with discounts available for groups of ten or more. To purchase tickets or for more information please call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 11, 2012


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