USL Charleston Battery

Battery Host Miami to Complete Three-Game Homestand on Saturday

Published on May 20, 2022 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Battery take on The Miami FC on Saturday, May 21, at Patriots Point to close out their three-game homestand. Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Charleston and Miami have become familiar adversaries the past two seasons since the South Florida side joined the USL Championship in 2020. The Black and Yellow are 3-1-0 against Miami at Patriots Point in that time.

Miami arrive in the Lowcountry following a 1-1 draw on Wednesday against Detroit City FC at FIU Stadium. Detroit took a 1-0 lead in the first half via an Antoine Hoppenot goal off a direct counterattack. The hosts, however, rallied late with a dramatic equalizer in the final minute of stoppage time. Adonijah Reid did the honors in the 95th minute when he received a pass from Romeo Parkes inside the box and then slotted the ball into the back of the net to secure a point at home.

The Battery will look for a positive conclusion to the homestand after falling 0-2 to New Mexico United last match. The visitors scored early in both halves which was enough to secure the three points. Charleston, however, were not without opportunities. The Battery held the majority of possession during the match (52.2% to 47.8%) and had more of passes in the final third (138 to 98) than New Mexico. Charleston will aim to carry their offensive creation with them against Miami while seeking to convert those chances.

Saturday will also feature a pair of head coaches in debut seasons with their clubs in Charleston's Conor Casey and Miami's Anthony Pulis, both hired ahead of the 2022 season.

The all-time series between the Battery and Miami is even at a 3-3-2 head-to-head record.

As of Thursday, multiple sections in the stadium have already sold out.

Ones to Watch

Miami - Florian Valot

Valot has been a fixture in Miami's squad this season. The French No. 10 currently leads the team in chances created (17) and is tied for the lead in assists (two). Against Detroit, Valot tallied five key passes, 10 recoveries and completed 65 of 82 passes (79%). He earned a FotMob rating of 7.7 (out of 10), tied for the highest among all midfielders in the match. Expect Valot to play another dangerous role on Saturday if not kept in check.

Charleston - Leland Archer

Archer's leadership and familiarity with Miami will be relied upon this Saturday. To date, the Battery No. 5 leads the club in clearances (24) and blocks (seven), and is second in interceptions (17). Archer registered three interceptions, three blocks and five duels won against New Mexico. Charleston are also 3-0-0 at home against Miami when Archer is in the squad. Expect the team to lean on Archer this Saturday in effort to thwart Miami's advances at Patriots Point.

From the Training Ground

Charleston returned to training Tuesday following the Saturday match against New Mexico and a period of recovery. The Black and Yellow will look to reward the home crowd with three points in the final game of the May homestand after a strong showing of support in the previous two matches.

Battery Head Coach Conor Casey and the squad have been hard at work in preparation for Saturday's duel.

"It's been a great week of training, really good energy and focus from the guys," said Coach Casey. "We've been looking a lot at our attacking in the final third and defending in our box."

The team has also received a boost in personnel on the pitch, with defender AJ Paterson and forward Kyle Holcomb returning to training this week.

"We've had AJ Paterson and Kyle Holcomb back in," said Coach Casey. "It's been great to have them back in the team. Their energy and leadership, it's been a real good impact on our training this week."

Defender Leland Archer has become familiar with Miami the prior two seasons and expects another competitive evening at Patriots Point.

"We know the threats that Miami bring, they have a lot of experienced players on the team," said Archer. "They attack a lot, they have some good attacking players, so they want to go forward quickly."

Archer said the team has been working to make corrections and adjustments in pursuit of a victory over Miami.

"We've been working on moving the ball quicker and going forward quicker instead of being slower with the ball," said Archer. "Mistakes happen, but we know that we have to be better when we have the ball. Everybody [in the locker room] wants to get that win."

In closing out the homestand, the team is hoping to reward the crowd for their relentless support at Patriots Point with another victory.

"Our fans have been unbelievable this whole season," said Coach Casey. "The results haven't gone our way and we understand there's a disappointment, we want to give them something to cheer about. We're so appreciative of them coming out, still supporting us and bringing that atmosphere every game."

As of posting, AJ Paterson and Kyle Holcomb are questionable, and Patrick Hogan, Shak Adams, Enock Kwakwa, and Matteo Ritaccio are out. Dominic Oduro returns and will be available for selection again.

MATCH INFO

Charleston Battery vs. The Miami FC

Saturday, May 21 - 7:00 p.m. ET Kickoff

Patriots Point

HOW TO WATCH:

Tickets are still available for Saturday's match, but multiple sections have already sold out. Fan can secure their spot for the game via SeatGeek.com, the club's exclusive digital ticketing provider.

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

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics

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