Match Preview: Pittsburgh vs. Charleston
USL Charleston Battery

Match Preview: Pittsburgh vs. Charleston

Published on August 14, 2025 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


The Charleston Battery hit the road again to face Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC on Sat., Aug. 16, in Week 24 of the USL Championship. Kickoff at Highmark Stadium is set for 7 p.m. ET and the match will stream for free on CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Charleston and Pittsburgh clash for the second time this year after the Battery claimed a 2-1 victory at Patriots Point on April 12. The night was highlighted by second half goals from Aaron Molloy and Cal Jennings to complete the comeback win.

Charleston (13W-4L-2D, 41pts) are looking to bounce back following a dismal 4-1 road defeat against Louisville City FC last weekend. While the match was relatively even in terms of goalscoring opportunities, the night was defined by the hosts' finishing and the visitors' lack thereof. The Battery looked to stage a comeback after MD Myers' goal in the opening minutes of the second half, but the deficit proved to be a bridge too far. The result snapped Charleston's seven-game undefeated run.

Pittsburgh (7W-6L-6D, 27pts) are capping off a four-game homestand amid a nine-game unbeaten streak with this weekend's fixture. The Hounds most recently played Orange County SC to a 1-1 draw last Saturday. After going down 0-1 just before halftime, Pittsburgh's Sean Suber scored in the middle of the second half to earn his side a point.

Looking at the Eastern Conference table, the Battery are in second and the Hounds are in fifth.

Storylines of the Match

Old Guard Shield at Play - This weekend will decide the winner of the Old Guard Shield, the supporter-led contest between Charleston and Pittsburgh. The victor is determined after the two regular season matches, similar to the Southern Derby and No Quarter Derby, and the Battery currently have a leg up in the fixture after the 2-1 win in April. Charleston last won the shield in 2022.

The 46th Meeting - In the 45 all-time matches, Charleston have a slight advantage in the rivalry with a 17W-11L-17D record against Pittsburgh, dating back to 1999.

Former Hounds Return - Several familiar names for Pittsburgh fans will be making their returns to Highmark Stadium this weekend as members of the Battery. This list includes Langston Blackstock (2023-2024), Nathan Dossantos (2022-2023), Christian Garner (2023) and Luis Zamudio (2023). The quartet overlapped in June - July 2023 when Garner and Zamudio joined Pittsburgh on loan during the same timeframe.

Pirmann vs. Lilley - Two of the league's top managers will face off again on the touchline this weekend, and their record against each other is nearly even. Since 2022, Ben Pirmann and Bob Lilley have achieved three regular season wins apiece against each other, in addition to one draw. The all-time series sways Pirmann's way with the 2024 playoff victory against Pittsburgh, for an overall 4W-3L-1D record.

Tall Task at Highmark - Pittsburgh's Highmark Stadium has been another ground unfriendly to the Battery in recent history. Charleston have not won at the stadium since 2018 and have been held scoreless there the past three seasons. The Hounds have lost only one time in league play at home this year, with six of their seven victories in the regular season coming at Highmark Stadium.

August Travels Continue - Charleston's road-heavy month of August carries on this weekend. Like June, the Battery have only one home match in August, taking place on the 23rd against Loudoun United FC. Charleston close out the month away against Rhode Island FC for their first visit to the all-new Centreville Bank Stadium.

Strong Goalkeeping Opposition - The Battery will once again be facing one of the league's top shot-stoppers this weekend. Pittsburgh's Eric Dick, the reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, is tied for the league lead in clean sheets (eight). It will make for an intriguing matchup between the goalkeeper and the Battery's league-leading attack.

Myers Takes Team Lead - MD Myers took sole possession of first place for the team lead in goals this year with No. 13 scored in Louisville. The New Jersey native has found the back of the net in all competitions this year, including nine in league play, three in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and one in the USL Jägermeister Cup. Myers is still behind Cal Jennings in the Championship's Golden Boot race, who is the co-leader with 11 league goals.

Jennings at Your Service - Cal Jennings' dynamism in attack has been a prevalent aspect recently for the Battery as the striker has provided assists in three consecutive league games. His five assists rank second on the team, and his 16 overall goal contributions continue to lead the Championship.

Martínez in the Mix Again - Douglas Martínez has continued to make strides in his return to action after being absent since June 7. The 2020 Olympian made his initial return on July 26 and featured again on Saturday with more minutes off the bench. Martínez also recorded his 150th career USL Championship regular season appearance in doing so.

From the Training Ground

MATCH INFO

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC vs. Charleston Battery

Saturday, August 16 - 7 p.m. ET Kickoff

Highmark Stadium

HOW TO WATCH:

Saturday's match will stream for free on the CBS Sports Golazo Network! The Golazo Network can be accessed for free via the CBS Sports App (under the 'Live TV' section), Pluto TV, Roku TV, Paramount+ app (no subscription needed), the PlutoTV app or on the channel's website: https://www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sports-golazo-network

The game will also air on SiriusXM FC (channel 157).

Check out the Charleston Battery Statistics

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from August 14, 2025


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