CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston Battery left for Louisville, KY early this morning in preparation for the team’s match against Eastern Conference leading Louisville City FC.
After 17 games, LouCity (11-1-5) sits in first place with 38 points and is currently carrying a 15-game unbeaten streak. The Battery will be seeking redemption on Saturday night at Slugger Field after Louisville ended Charleston’s two-year, 29-game unbeaten streak at MUSC Health Stadium on May 28th.
In the previous match between the two teams, Louisville was the better side throughout the majority of the 90 minutes. George Davis IV and Kyle Smith converted two of City’s 15 chances on the night. Smith, a USL rookie, recorded three points on the night, adding an assist to his goal.
The Battery carries a couple of streaks of its own into the match against the league-leaders; Charleston has recorded three straight league victories, three consecutive shutouts, and has won four road games in a row.
The Battery defeated long time rival Richmond Kickers, 2-0, in its last USL match. Taylor Mueller and Heviel Cordoves scored first-half goals and Charleston’s defense closed out the match easily. Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis earned his third consecutive shutout against the Kickers.
Louisville beat last place FC Montreal on Monday, July 4th at Slugger Field. John Chandler Hoffman and Davis VI scored LouCity’s goals. Hoffman’s tally was his 11th of the year, which is good enough for second in the league.
Charleston (9-4-3) currently sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, eight points off the leaders. The Battery, who has a game in hand on Louisville, could close the gap between themselves and the league-leaders to five points with a victory on Saturday night.
The Battery will return home following the trip to Louisville for a midweek clash with Orlando City B. This Saturday’s match kicks off at 7:30 and can be streamed live here: http://www.uslsoccer.com/game/show/13218161
