USL Charleston Battery

Two Battery Players Called up to National Teams

Published on March 22, 2022 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Charleston Battery News Release


CHARLESTON, S.C. - Charleston Battery defenders Leland Archer (Trinidad and Tobago) and Benji Ettienne (Grenada) have been called up to their national teams for a set of international friendlies from March 23 - 29.

Archer joins the Soca Warriors ahead of games against Barbados and Guyana on March 25 and March 29, respectively, as part of the Courts Caribbean Classic at Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.

Ettienne heads to Europe with the Spice Boys in a historic trip that features matches against Gibraltar and Andorra on March 23 and March 28, respectively. It will be Grenada's first time competing outside the Concacaf region.

Leland, who hails from Port of Spain, will have an opportunity to take the field for Trinidad and Tobago in his hometown.

"It's always a great feeling to be called up to represent my country, especially this time since I'll have a chance to play in front of my family," said Archer. "They don't get to watch me live often, so I'm sure they'll enjoy it a lot. There's nothing better than playing in front of your own fans at home and it'll be good to have the national team supporters back out there with us."

The journey to the Iberian Peninsula during the international window comes as Grenada prepare for the opening of the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League. Benji, who is also visiting Europe for the first time, is excited about the transatlantic trip.

"It feels amazing to be back with the national team, it's always an honor whenever you get called up to represent your country," said Ettienne. "Being a part of this historic moment for us is another dream come true for me."

Archer made his debut with the senior national team on January 31, 2021, during a friendly against the United States at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, where he played a complete 90 minutes.

The Battery No. 5 was called up again for international duty during the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in March 2021, but did not feature for the side. He trained again with the national team prior to the 2022 regular season.

Ettienne, 19, has made five appearances with the senior team, debuting for Grenada during the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup against the U.S. Virgin Islands on March 30, 2021. In total, he's appeared in two World Cup qualifiers and three Gold Cup matches.

Both Archer and Ettienne will be with their national teams through the next week before returning to Charleston ahead of the April 1 match against Las Vegas Lights FC.

The defenders are looking forward to making the most out of the time with their national teams.

"I'm working every day to become a better player, so this trip will just add to that, especially being able to gain more experience playing at the international level," said Archer.

"I will use these matches to improve as an individual and take in as much information possible to help both club and country be successful," said Ettienne.

Trinidad and Tobago will take on Barbados on March 25 and Guyana on March 29, with both games kicking off at 7 p.m. ET, at Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Grenada will kick off against Gibraltar at Victoria Stadium in Gibraltar on March 23 at 1 p.m. ET. The Spice Boys will then travel to Andorra to face the Tricolors at the Estadi Nacional on March 28 at 2 p.m. ET.

Battery fans will be able to see Archer and Ettienne back at Patriots Point on April 1 when Charleston host Las Vegas. Tickets are available now via SeatGeek.com, the club's exclusive ticketing partner.

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