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USL Charleston Battery

Battery Travel to Florida for Duel with Miami

July 12, 2022 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Battery hit the road for a midweek match against Miami FC on Wednesday, July 13, at FIU Stadium. Kickoff for the duel in South Florida is slotted for 7 p.m. ET.

The Black and Yellow are seeking revenge against Miami after losing the first fixture at Patriots Point, 0-4, on May 21. Miami scored three times in the first half and tacked on a fourth in the 50th minute while the Battery were without answers during a frustrating month of May. The Battery rebounded in June with a strong string of performances and will hope to bring that form to FIU Stadium.

Miami suffered defeat on the road at the hands of Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC last time out in a 4-1 result at Highmark Stadium. The Hounds found the back of the net four times before the 70th minute and were on track for the clean sheet until stoppage time when Miami pulled back a consolation goal via Callum Chapman-Page. Look for Miami to try bouncing back in their first home match in over two weeks.

Charleston will look to break out of a recent rut that's seen them go winless in their last five matches. The Battery fell 0-3 at home against Birmingham Legion FC on a weather-delayed and rain-soaked evening. Both sides were able to create chances despite the conditions, but Legion FC finished their opportunities which made the difference. The Black and Yellow will be able to put that match behind them fast with the quick turnaround to the midweek Miami match.

Saturday's contest will be played at Florida International University's football stadium, which is located on FIU's campus and is familiar territory for FIU alumni Hugo Fauroux and Andrew Booth.

Miami leads the all-time series with a 4W-3L-2D record against the Battery. At the same time, the Black and Yellow will look to notch their first victory at FIU Stadium as they hold a 0W-2L-2D at the venue.

Wednesday could see the debut of winger Alexander Dexter for the Battery, who was signed earlier in the month to a short-term contract

Ones to Watch

Miami - Othello Bah

Bah is one of five co-leaders on Miami's roster tied for the most goals in 2022 with three, two of which came at the Battery's expense back in May. On the defensive side, the winger has 17 clearances, 22 tackles won and 47 duels won to his name. Bah has featured both off the bench and in the starting lineup recently, but will be one to keep an eye on whenever he is on the pitch given how the first meeting between Charleston and Miami went.

Charleston - Romario Piggott

Piggott's familiarity with Miami and his leadership will be relied upon this Wednesday. The midfielder scored against Miami in the inaugural meeting between the sides in 2020 and has faced them five times before. This season, Piggott has tallied two goals, two assists and 14 chances created. Romario was a key figure in driving the Battery offense forward last game and the squad will likely look to him again in helping revitalize the productivity on the road.

From the Training Ground

The Battery returned to training on Monday following a period of recovery after the Saturday match.

Charleston began the week with preparations for their third midweek league game of 2022.

"I think it's good to have games in quick succession, it gives us a chance to compete again and gives some guys a chance to play that maybe haven't played many minutes this year," said Battery Head Coach Conor Casey. "We're making sure [the squad] is doing everything to take care of their bodies and get ready with the quick turnaround."

The Battery have become familiar foes with Miami and the Black and Yellow will look to secure points in the reverse fixture.

"Miami have been a good team all year, they have a deep roster, but the last couple of results haven't gone quite their way," said Coach Casey. "We'll look at [the first match], we're going to change a couple of things that we're doing. But, the message to the team has been the same, we need to keep improving."

Battery midfielder Enock Kwakwa said the team remains resolute in looking to make the most out of the second half of the year.

"We're trying to hold each other up and we are not giving up," said Kwakwa. "In training, we always make sure we are giving 100 percent on the field. The main focus is we have to be mentally tough in certain places on the field, especially when we are trying something new.

"We are going into Miami to get a result."

Kwakwa has gradually made his way into matches again and commented on his road of recovery back to the pitch.

"This was the first hamstring injury that I've had in my career and it was frustrating," said Kwakwa. "[The recovery] has been great, I am happy to be on the field to help the team. I was nervous [about returning], but I got myself through it, and it was amazing to get back and play some minutes."

As of posting, Patrick Hogan is questionable; Mauro Cichero, Andrew Booth, Joe Kuzminsky and Kyle Holcomb are out.

MATCH INFO

The Miami FC vs. Charleston Battery

Wednesday, July 13 - 7:00 p.m. ET Kickoff

FIU Stadium

HOW TO WATCH:

The club is hosting the next Battery Watch Party at Home Team BBQ in Downtown Charleston! Join supporters and the staff cheer on the Black and Yellow from afar - fans in Battery merch can enjoy complimentary appetizers at the restaurant. Start time for the watch party is 6:30 p.m., a half-hour ahead of kickoff.

Can't make it to Home Team BBQ? All Battery matches will stream on ESPN+ domestically and through the league's YouTube channel for free internationally.

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics

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