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USL Charleston Battery

Battery Host Birmingham in Regular Season Finale on Saturday

October 13, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Battery are set to host the regular season finale this weekend, taking on Birmingham Legion FC on Sat., Oct. 14. Kickoff at Patriots Point is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.

Charleston bested Birmingham in the first meeting back in July, when late goals from Tristan Trager and Derek Dodson stole a victory for the Battery in Alabama. Legion FC, however, hold a narrow advantage in the all-time series with a 3W-2L-1D record against the Black and Yellow.

The Battery (16W-9L-8D, 56 pts) enter the regular season finale looking to head into the playoffs on a high note and snap a two-match losing streak. Charleston fell 1-2 to Miami FC at home after Augi Williams' early goal was nullified by the visitors in the second half. Charleston are locked in at third in the Eastern Conference standings.

Legion FC (14W-15L-4D, 46 pts) arrive in the Lowcountry fresh off clinching a spot in the playoffs last weekend. The Alabama outfit beat Monterey Bay FC, 2-0, at home to secure their fifth consecutive trip to the postseason. Juan Agudelo and Collin Smith found the back of the net for the hosts.

Tristan Trager is a player to keep an eye on for the Battery. Trager's equalizer against Birmingham in the reverse fixture helped ignite Charleston's comeback victory.

Enzo Martinez is one to watch on Legion FC. The midfielder has 17 goal contributions in league play this year, 10 goals and seven assists, most on the team.

Fidel Barajas will be unavailable for selection as he is with the Mexican U-17 national team for a World Cup preparation camp in Argentina this week.

An additional win will also contribute to the Battery's record for victories in a season in the USL Championship era, which is currently 16.

The Battery have tied the league record for the best season-to-season points turnaround with a +31 point differential from last year's campaign. With a tie or win in the regular season finale, Charleston will have a chance to set a new Championship record.

It's also possible for Charleston to shore up the league's best road record of the season this weekend if Indy Eleven, who have the second-best away record, do not defeat San Antonio FC.

While the Battery are locked in at No. 3 in playoff seedings, the opponent is still to be determined. Depending on the results on Saturday, Indy Eleven, Louisville City FC and Birmingham could potentially visit Patriots Point next Sunday.

FROM THE TRAINING GROUND

Head Coach Ben Pirmann addressed the media ahead of Saturday's match, with key quotes to follow.

Coach Pirmann on what he wants to see in the regular season finale...

I think the biggest thing is just continuing to show our growth mindset improving. It's been the same message for the first 37 weeks, we have to keep doing it in the final week of the regular season. t, the group works their tail off every single day.

Reflecting on the last two games, we've been winning, and then, not only did we not hold on, but we did not get any points, which has been disappointing. But, the group works their tail off every single day. We want to have a good final game of the season and we're, we're excited to be at home as well.

Coach Pirmann on Fan Appreciation Night this Saturday...

We love playing at home, Patriot Point is awesome. Last game was rocking. We've had great crowds the second half of the season. To be able to honor our fans, appreciate everything that they've done for us, we're excited to be at home. We want to put our best foot forward, work our tails off.

MATCH INFO

Charleston Battery vs. Birmingham Legion FC

Saturday, October 14 - 5 p.m. ET Kickoff

Patriots Point

HOW TO WATCH:

Only a very limited number of tickets are still available for Saturday's match and can be purchased via SeatGeek.com, the Battery's exclusive digital ticketing provider.

All Battery matches will also stream on ESPN+ domestically and through the league's YouTube channel for free internationally.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from October 13, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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