USL Charleston Battery

Charleston to Play Virginia Beach Mariners

Published on May 1, 2003 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery takes on its A-League Southeast Division rival the Virginia Beach Mariners Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium; kickoff is set for 7:30 pm. The game doubles as an US Open Cup qualifier and is the first of a two match home-and-away aggregate series. The return leg will be played on May 17 at Virginia Beach. The Battery and the Mariners both enter the match with two wins from two games played and are tied atop the Southeast Division with six points.

Charleston Battery Head Coach, Chris Ramsey,

"It's plain to see that Virginia Beach are greatly improved from last season, they have added some quality players to their roster and on their day will be a handful for any team in the A-League. The players understand the importance of this first fixture as a good result will help to ease the pressure in the return game."

This is the first of four games scheduled between the Battery and the Mariners in the regular season. Last year Charleston blanked Virginia Beach (then called the Hampton Roads Mariners) with four wins out of four. This season however the Mariners have strengthened their roster significantly with the acquisition of several former US National teamers and MLS players.

Topping the list are two former US National Team strikers Roy Lassiter and Dante Washington. Both Major League Soccer veterans, Lassister is also a seven year veteran of the National Team having scored 4 goals in 30 games played. Also available up-front is Hamisi Amani-Dove who played for the Dallas Burn in 2001 before being traded to the Rochester Raging Rhinos in 2002.

The Mariners are led by Head Coach Shawn McDonald who returns to the club for his sixth year. McDonald has steered the Mariners to an overall club record of 64-61-5. McDonald's assistant is former DC United goalkeeper, Mark Simpson.

This match marks the beginning of the Battery's 2003 Open Cup campaign. In 2002 Charleston progressed to the third round where it lost 1-0 in overtime to Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids.

Game Tickets – Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Charleston Battery game tickets are on sale now priced at $6 - $12. To purchase tickets or for more information call 971-GOAL or visit www.charlestonbattery.com; the Battery box office opens at noon on Saturday.

It's a Cinco De Mayo Celebration at Blackbaud on Saturday with beer specials from Tecate all night. Fan's can also enjoy $1 drafts in the Rolling Rock Beer Garden from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Saturday night. Half-time features the T-Bonz $5000 kick for cash, the Arby's Viva Las Vegas dice roll plus Saab of Charleston is offering a season-long promotion where one fan will win a trip to Sweden

Fred Degand Named to Team of the Week

Charleston Battery defender Fred Degand has been named to the A-League Team of the Week for his outstanding defensive work during last Saturday's 1-0 shut-out win over the Montreal Impact. Degand is in his first season with the Battery and earned his first start in last weekend's game.

2003 Season Ticket Packages.

Season ticket packages for the entire 2003 season begin at $90 or $300 for a family pack of four tickets. To purchase game tickets, season tickets or for more information please call the Charleston Battery ticket hotline, (843) 971-4625 or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from May 1, 2003


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