USL-1 Charleston Battery

Battery opens 2006 campaign versus Mariners

Published on April 28, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery opens it 2006 USL First Division campaign Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium versus long-time rival the Virginia Beach Mariners; gates open at 6:30 PM kick off is set for 7:30 PM. The Mariners opened their season last weekend with a 2-0 home victory versus the Toronto Lynx, former Charleston striker Greg Simmonds scored both goals.

Saturday night's game will be the first regular season match in a Battery uniform for veteran goalkeeper Dusty Hudock since the end of the 2004 season. Charleston Battery head Coach Mike Anhaeuser brought Hudock and defender Mark Watson back to Charleston after both played elsewhere in 2005. Watson and Hudock were key members of the Battery's 2003 championship winning squad. Hudock previously played six seasons with Charleston (1999 - 2004), Watson played three (2002 - 2004).

Returning players include last season's team MVP, Mt Pleasant native Ben Hollingsworth. Hollingsworth led Charleston in scoring in 2005 (4 goals, 1 assist), despite playing the majority of the season as a right-back. Midfielder Lazo Alavanja also returns after playing indoor with the Chicago Storm of the MISL during the off-season. Alavanja arrives in Charleston Friday and will be available for selection Saturday night.

The Battery has had a lengthy pre-season ahead of Saturday's opener versus the Mariners. Charleston lost just one game during its preparations, a close 1-0 decision versus MLS's Houston Dynamo. Charleston defeated MLS's New York Red Bulls, tied MLS's DC United, won versus Jamaica's Village United, the USL1 Rochester Rhinos and the USL2 Wilmington Hammerheads.

The Mariners are led by second-year head coach Jay Hoffman. Hoffman previously coached the Boston Breakers of the WUSA, and has coached the U-17 and U-20 US Men's National Teams. He was head coach of the 1999 U.S. Women's Pan Am Games Gold medal winning team and served as assistant coach to the Women's National Team winning the 1999 Women's World Cup

Forward Greg Simmonds was named USL First Division player of the week following his two-goal performance for Virginia Beach last weekend. Simmonds led the Mariners to a 2-0 season opening victory over the Toronto Lynx at home with a goal in each half. Simmonds scored the first, 19 minutes in on a cross from midfielder Felix Brilliant and the second off a cross from Ryan Mack in the 70th.

Schedule Cup Giveaway - Moe's Southwest Grill Fun Zone

Saturday night is Schedule Cup giveaway night presented by the Horne Guest Insurance Agency and every fan who attends will receive a free commemorative Charleston Battery schedule cup. Fans can enjoy $1 drafts until kick off in the Bud Light Beer Garden and half-time will feature several new fun promotions with chances to win cash and prizes.

The Charleston Battery has teamed up with Moe's Southwest Grill for the 2006 season; Moe's is the title sponsor of the all new Fun Zone. This year's activities include a brand new custom human foosball court, a new penalty kick game, a hot shot game that measures how hard children can kick the soccer ball and a jump castle for the younger children. Moe's Southwest Grill is providing prizes for winners of the various games. The Moe's Southwest Grill Fun Zone is open at each Battery regular season game at 6:30 PM, there is no additional charge for any of the activities.

Tickets for the Battery's Saturday night home opener are still available priced at $8 - 15. To purchase tickets or for more information please call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

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USL First Division Stories from April 28, 2006


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