Nico Rittmeyer

Charleston Battery kick off against North Carolina FC at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday night in the return of the Southern Derby. The fan-led Carolina bragging rights derby is a one-and-done iteration this year with the winner of Wednesday night’s match taking home the cup.

Charleston are coming off an exciting come-from-behind, 3-2 win against Atlanta United 2 last Saturday to widen the gap between the Battery and Atlanta in the Group H standings and secure hold of the coveted second place and playoff qualifying spot. It was the second time the Battery have put up 3 against Atlanta and all three goals came unanswered in the second half, including the game-winning goal by Zeiko Lewis in stoppage time.

Now the Battery turn to their northern rivals as they travel to WakeMed Soccer park to the 21st edition of the Southern Darby. Beyond the bragging rights of Wednesday’s derby match, NCFC is looking to gain some ground in their own Group G standings and supplant Charlotte for second place if they secure 3 points against Charleston.

North Carolina, however, has never scored more than one goal against Charleston in their three year history. But with a stout defense and 3 clean sheets on the year, NCFC hopes to keep the Charleston attack at bay and stem any momentum coming from the Battery’s 3 scores Saturday night.

Ones to Watch this Week

Andre Fortune

With a team-leading two goals under his belt in 2020, Fortune has a good habit of being in the right place at the right time. He’ll be looking to find the back of the net again on Wednesday night and help break Charleston’s streak of holding NCFC to no more than a single score.

D.J. Taylor

Leading the back line, the defender Taylor is a constant presence on the pitch being one of only two on the roster playing all minutes so far this season. With league nods as part of the USL Championship Team of the Week in week 6, D.J. will look to cool down Zeiko and the rest of the attack that has really found its form of late.

Zeiko Lewis

Coming off a brace in Saturday night’s bout against Atlanta, Zeiko will be hungry for more and continue his team-leading scoring campaign for the Battery. On both scores Zeiko showed off his brilliant footing and positioning and will look to replicate that success on Wednesday night. On that recent success he noted, “a lot of it stems from my teammates pushing me. If it wasn’t for them, I could easily get into a funk. It’s about keeping the right mentality and keep pushing.”

Jarad van schaik

With a start Wednesday night, Jarad will register his 150th regular season appearance for the Battery and enter some rarified territory becoming the fourth player in USL Championship history to record that many regular season appearances with a single club. His continued veteran presence in the middle of the back line, paired with Leland Archer, should stand up to the North Carolina attack and give keeper Joe Kuzminsky some breathing room. Jarad also looks to be itching for some offensive stats Wednesday night after a late breakaway up the middle against Atlanta.

From the Training Ground

The boys took a well-deserved day off after Saturday’s late win and hit the training pitch again on Monday and Tuesday before boarding the busses for Cary, NC.

Talking about building on the momentum from the win Saturday, Coach Mike Anhaeuser commented, “you take the second half, after being down 2-0 and taking that positive energy and our good play and movement and then the 3 goals. If we can do that and take that in, we’re playing a good defensive team.” Noting the matchup in Cary, he added, “They try to limit your chances and make it tough on you, so I think if we can carry that out we’re going to be very good.”

As of posting, Jesus Ibarra and Kierron Mason are unavailable for Wednesday’s match. Nico Rittmeyer, Leland Archer and Jay Bolt are questionable.

MATCH INFO

North Carolina FC vs. Charleston Battery
Wednesday, August 19 – 7:00 PM EST Kickoff
WakeMed Soccer Park

HOW TO WATCH:
All Battery matches will be streaming on the ESPN+ platform. Wednesday’s match will be live HERE.

Charleston Battery is pleased to announce that the USL Championship Board of Governors voted on Thursday in favor of returning to play for the 2020 season, with a provisional start date set for July 11.

While additional information on competition format, scheduling, broadcast and other important details will be made available in the coming weeks, it’s important to note that the league’s return to play will be conducted in strict alignment with all local and state public health guidelines.

The USL also remains in regular dialogue with the USL Players Association on all matters concerning player health and wellness protocols and looks forward to continuing those discussions.

“Professional soccer is coming back to the Lowcountry,” said Rob Salvatore, Charleston Battery Chairman. “We’re excited about the next steps that will lead to bringing live team sports back to Charleston. We can’t thank our supporters enough for sticking with us the past months as we work towards a safe return to play.”

The 2019 season brought with it a number of new faces up front and for first-year forward Arthur Bosua, a chance to make a mark in a new-look Charleston attack. In his rookie season, Bosua scored six goals to go along with forty-two shots, both good for the second-highest totals on the team. Bosua’s successes on and off the field should have the Battery faithful feeling ready for a strong 2020 season from Bosua.

There is no shortage of personality with our six-foot-three target man as we sat down with the not-so-superstitious Bosua in this week’s Behind the Black and Yellow.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Dix Hills, NY/ Johannesburg, SA

Q: What is one thing you have to have when traveling?
A: I need headphones when I am traveling. I have a playlist for pretty much all of my moods. I also need my toiletry bag with me. Personal hygiene was drilled into my head from a young age, remember to floss kids!

Q: What would you be if you weren’t a professional soccer player?
A: I honestly don’t know. I have my degree so that will most certainly help. I have been striving to be a professional soccer player since I was a boy. Obviously soccer won’t last forever and there are a lot of other fields and industries I could see myself in. Consulting has always interested me as a first job because the exposure in many cases can be very beneficial. I have also thought about getting involved in startups or tech companies.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: The best advice I have received has come from my father and mother. My dad has always told me that someone else is out there working harder than me. Being productively paranoid is the result of that advice. A lot of people don’t know this but I almost gave up on my dream of playing before I came to Charleston. I had been working hard for months to get back from two injuries that kept me out for almost a year and the pressure of finding a job after graduating was starting to get to me. Before I flew down here, my mom told me I need love every second of it or else what’s the point and that really inspired me to perform and eventually sign.

Q: Who is the best dancer on the team?
A: I would have to go with Philip, my roommate. The dance moves don’t come out often but when they do it’s groovy. I would personally like to see a dance-off between Phil, AJ, and Nicque!

Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: I would love to be an animal shapeshifter. I could live in extreme conditions and experience everything these creatures are capable of. Some personal highlights would be diving as a Peregrine Falcon and squading up with dolphin homies as we ride some waves.

Q: What is one thing that is overrated?
A: I think olives are very overrated. They really aren’t that good and are in way too many salads and drinks.

Q: What is the best purchase you have made so far this year?
A: The best purchase I have made this year has to be my calendar. Planning my week in a time like this is very important.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: My biggest pet peeve is seeing people texting on the highway, touching cardboard with dry hands, and fruit that goes bad in less than 48 hours for some mysterious reason. People who play their music out loud in public areas with awful little phone speakers also grinds my gears. ALSO, not a big fan of when people use the word “like” in a sentence over 3-4 times.

Q: Who takes the most selfies?
A: It’s between Angelo, Paul, and Nico for me. All have quality content though.

Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: My parents. They moved to a whole new country with 4 little kids and started over for our future. That sacrifice is something that will always stick with me. It puts everything into perspective for me.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player of all time?
A: Wayne Rooney. The man is a legend. His attitude is amazing, all about the result. I think I’ve watched every highlight tape made about him.

Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: I’m not superstitious, but I am a little stitious.

 -Micheal Scott, The Office

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and what would you be doing?
A: I would be right here playing soccer at patriots point with a packed house.

Q: What would be your karaoke song?
A: Drops of Jupiter, absolute banger and everyone else will likely get involved so my wonderful voice will not be heard.

Q: Which Harry Potter is your favorite,( book or movie)?
A: Wowwwww, this one is tough. I am about to start a marathon but I would have to go with Goblet of Fire. The movie is epic as it gets and Emma Watson is in it so what’s not to love!

Q: If you had to choose one teammate to survive on a deserted island with, who would it be?
A: I would probably have to go with AJ just because the man is a guru when it comes to fishing and we get along well. We would turn that island into a 5-star resort if anyone ever finds us.

Q: What do you miss the most about South Africa?
A: The game parks are what I miss most. No other time am I up at 4 am and happier to do so. Looking for and seeing animals in the wild is special. The landscapes aren’t too bad either.

Q: What is the best dish you make?
A: My shrimp lo mein is pretty fire. My Peanut butter sandwiches have the best ratio of peanut butter to bread out there.
 

Arriving in Charleston at the beginning of the 2019 season, AJ Paterson laced up his boots for his second full season in the Holy City. His first year with the club saw the attacking back have success domestically and on the international stage. Paterson captained Grenada to its first Gold Cup qualification in over ten years, coming up big for the Spice Boys in the CONCACAF Nations League. We spoke with Paterson during the postponement in this week’s Behind the Black and Yellow.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I was born and raised in Key Largo, Florida.

Q: What is one thing you have to have when traveling?
A: I’m a music junkie so I can’t go anywhere without my headphones.

Q: What would you be if you weren’t a professional soccer player?
A: I’ve always loved the ocean and wildlife so if I weren’t a professional soccer player I’d be a Florida Wildlife Conservation Officer.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: The best advice I received was from my dad a few years back when I was going through a rough patch in my collegiate career with injuries and form. He told me not to worry about the things I can’t control and focus on the ones I can. Something so small has helped me immensely in soccer and everyday life as well.

Q: Who is the best dancer on the team?
A: Hands down the best dancer on the team is Leland Archer. He puts on an absolute show in the locker room after a good victory!

Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: I think the most realistic superpower that I could have would be the ability to speak to animals. I love the outdoors and all the little critters so being able to talk to them would be ideal.

Q: What is one thing that is overrated?
A: That new Tiger King documentary had so much hype, but it didn’t do it for me.

Q: What is the best purchase you have made so far this year?
A: I went to England early this year and bought a few meals from Nando’s, a very popular restaurant in England that I had heard so much about. They were by far the best purchases I’ve made. Arguably the best purchases I’ve made in my entire life let alone this year!

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: I cannot stand when someone speaks down to me or other people in a patronizing or belittling manner.

Q: Who takes the most selfies?
A: Along with having the best dance moves, Leland Archer definitely takes the cake at selfie queen!

Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: Watching my mother raise my two sisters and myself while still going to school to achieve her dream job opened my eyes to the benefits of hard work and dedication so she’s been my greatest inspiration from day one.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player of all time?
A: The same man who is the greatest soccer player to ever lace up his boots and step onto a pitch, Lionel Messi. There’s no other player on this planet that’s genuinely made me question the possibility of the things he does with a ball at his feet.

Q: What made you choose #20?
A: I’m going to be completely honest, it was the number given to me when I first signed but I will say it’s grown on me the past year

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and what would you be doing?
A: Right now I’d love to be back home in the Florida Keys with my family out on the boat fishing and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Q: What would be your karaoke song?
A: This is a tie between “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson and “Love in this Club” by Usher. Those are the types of songs that you don’t just sing along to, you perform!

Q: What’s the best fish you’ve ever caught?
A: I’d say the best fish I’ve ever caught in terms of rarity and size would have to be a 35-inch Red drum.

Q: If you had to choose one teammate to survive on a deserted island with, who would it be?
A: 100% Dante would be my go-to if it came down to a do or die survival situation. He’s definitely got the smarts to keep us alive!

Following a breakout rookie campaign in 2019, Zeiko Lewis is settling in for his second full season in the Holy City. Charleston’s talisman in attack, Lewis scored eight goals last year and looks to get back to his goal-scoring ways when play resumes.

But for now, Lewis is set on enjoying his time in Charleston as we caught up with the Bermudan playmaker in this weeks installment of Behind the Black and Yellow.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Pembroke, Bermuda

Q: What is one thing you have to have when traveling?
A:Headphones

Q: What would you be if you weren’t a professional soccer player?
A: I have no idea. I would love to be a stay at home dad, but I would have found a way to make use of my brain. Pushing myself to new heights and levels in a company, like I try to do on the field.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: There is only one Zeiko Lewis. Be who you are, you cannot be someone else. Put emphasis and find a way to use your strengths to their full potential and limit your weakness, but do not hide or shy away from them. They are a part of you and you need to strengthen those as well.

Q: Who is the best dancer on the team?
A: We may need to have a dance battle before anyone claims that title!

Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: Super Speed. The ability to run at high velocities and the ability to run on water fascinates me. There are a lot of powers I would love to have, but this would have to be my top one. Having a rubber body, if I could do what my favorite character could do with his powers. This would be a close second because of my favorite show.

Q: What is one thing that is overrated?
A: Social media

Q: What is the best purchase you have made so far this year?
A: A projector. It makes movies, tv shows and gaming that much better and more convenient than a TV in my opinion. The second purchase is pending. I’ll let you know how that one is once I get to test it!

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: People using something of mine and not putting it back where they found it or in the condition I gave it to them in.

Q: Who takes the most selfies?
A: AJ Patterson

Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: My father has always pushed me to be better. He expects nothing but me to reach the next level in anything I do. From playing the piano, to my schoolwork, to my on the field performances, to cleaning my room. He is dedicated and supportive of my craft and anything that I do in my life.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player of all time?
A: Ronaldinho. No questions asked. No competition. No one close to his level. He is the greatest of all time. He revolutionized modern football in my opinion. He, in a sense, showed me how I can express who I am with or without a ball by him merely using a ball.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and what would you be doing?
A:  Home in Bermuda. On the white rooftops or porch or backyard, with a refreshing beverage, listening to some reggae music, watching the sunset either by myself or with friends and my girlfriend, laughing and creating memories we’ll never forget. It’s usually the little things in life that feel the most nostalgic for me.

Q: What would be your karaoke song?
A: Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO

Q: What has been your favorite thing about Charleston so far?
A: The food and weather. There are a number of food places that Charleston has to offer that are amazing. I want to try them all, but hard to ever pick between the options. Also, the weather because it makes me feel almost at home. Almost as warm as when I was in Iceland. Even though sometimes it does get a bit too humid and hot in Charleston!

Q: What is something fans might not know about you?
A: I have been to 4 World Cup finals (Japan, Germany, South Africa, Brazil). My family tries to go to every World Cup because it’s exhilarating for us. There’s nothing like it in the world and there are no words to describe the atmosphere. Everyone should make it a priority to try and make it to at least one to see it through their own eyes. 

Another thing people may not know is that there are 3 generations of Pinks (my nickname). My papa (the original Pinks who got the name from his youth). My father (little Pinks). And then me (Baby Pinkz!).
 

Ready to sport the latest Charleston Battery gear? We’re excited to announce the launch of our new online proshop with the latest kits, apparel, and accessories for the 2020 season.

While we had hoped to get our new gear ready for fans to wear on opening day, the current postponement of the season has moved us to release our new kits and apparel with a focus on the moment. For the month of April, 10% of all merchandise sales will be donated to the MUSC Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.

“The players, the staff, and most importantly, the city of Charleston are excited for this new era of soccer in Charleston. Our rebranding and new line of apparel is a big part of that,” Scott Krenitski, Battery CRO and head of community engagement noted. “While we had hoped to have fans sporting our new logo and gear in the stands on opening day, the current environment has called everyone to action. We’re excited to support one of our longest-standing partners, MUSC, and the growing needs of our area’s healthcare workers who are putting in tireless hours on the frontline.”

“The Charleston Battery is one of our longest-standing sports partners; we greatly appreciate their support of MUSC Health and our community during this time of need,” said Michael J. Barr, Sports Medicine Manager at MUSC Health. “We are all excited for the rebranding of the Charleston Battery and the eventual start of the 2020 season.”

Represent your city AND your club and give back to help fight the spread of COVID-19. Grab the newest kits and apparel and explore our new accessories to go from social distancing to game day ready!

If you’d like to make a donation directly or learn more about the MUSC Foundation’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, click here.

About the MUSC Foundation: The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Foundation was chartered in 1966 as a charitable, educational foundation to support the education, research, patient care and other programs at the Medical University. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, contributions to which are tax-deductible.

Since its beginning, the MUSC Foundation has encouraged such worthwhile academic enterprises as endowed professorships, scholarships, the acquisition and development of campus facilities to serve student, teaching, research or clinical needs, and awards in honor of academic excellence. In addition, it has encouraged achievements in biomedical research.

One of several new offseason signings, Robbie Crawford joins the Black and Yellow for his first season in the USL Championship.

A Scotland native, Crawford began his career with Rangers FC, rising from the club’s youth academy to the first team. Having spent time playing professionally in Iceland and Finland, Crawford’s arrival in the states presents a new opportunity, and challenge, as the playmaker looks to help elevate Charleston to title contenders. We caught up with Robbie to ask the hard-hitting questions in this week’s Q&A.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Gourock, Scotland (about 45 minutes outside of Glasgow.)

Q: What is one thing you have to have when traveling?
A: Sunscreen-the sun isn’t always my friend!

Q: What would you be if you weren’t a professional soccer player?
A: I probably would’ve gone into athletics, I’ve always enjoyed middle distance running. If not that, then maybe a Physio.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: Whatever you’re doing, give it your best, otherwise there’s no point. It’s always stuck with me and applies to a lot of areas of life.

Q: What has been the most difficult transition about moving to a new country?
A: Probably being away from friends and family for so long but FaceTime definitely helps with that and they’ve had some great holidays the past few years coming out to see me play.

Q: Who is the best dancer on the team?
A: Haven’t seen enough of their moves yet but from what I’ve seen, I can imagine Romario producing on the dance floor!

Q: What is your favorite American food/ meal?
A: Hard to beat a good burger from TGIs or Hard Rock Cafe, probably best not to have too many during the season though!

Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: To be able to read people’s minds, I would love to know what people are really thinking!

Q: What is one thing that is overrated?
A: It won’t go down well with Americans but I’d say basketball!

Q: What is the best purchase you have made so far this year?
A: A plane ticket to Charleston for my tryout.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: Being late. I’ve always hated it and if you’re part of a team it usually ends up with a big fine so that’s another reason to be on time.

Q: Have you ever eaten Haggis? Would we like it?
A: Of course I have! I really like it so I’d always recommend it. Veggie haggis is nice too if anyone is put off by what it’s made of!

Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: My family has always set a great example for me in terms of work ethic and supported me. In terms of inspiration though, I’ve always been pretty self-motivated and wanted to do the best I could for myself.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player of all time?
A: Zinedine Zidane-had it all as a player and won everything so he was definitely someone I always looked up to.

Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: I wouldn’t say superstitions but definitely a few things I always do on the day of a game – for example, putting my left boot on before my right.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and what would you be doing?
A: I’m lucky to have been to a lot of places and I’d say I’m usually pretty happy as long as I’ve got a ball. I try not to think about the grass being greener somewhere else and just enjoy where I am and ideally I’d have my family, friends, and girlfriend with me.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer team? (other than the Battery)?
A: Greenock Morton (local team), Glasgow Rangers and Man United.

Q: What would be your karaoke song?
A: Proclaimers-500 miles… standard answer for a Scotsman abroad!

Q: What is something fans might not know about you?
A: This year marks 10 years as a professional player having made my debut for Rangers and leaving high school at 17… hopefully at least 10 more years to go.
 

Entering his 7th season in Charleston, Dante Marini had one of his most productive seasons in the Black and Yellow in 2019. Proving a menace off the bench, Marini scored 4 goals for the Battery, earning key results down the stretch.

We caught up with Dante over the phone to find out a bit more about one of Charleston’s veteran leaders, from his biggest pet peeve to the best gift he’s ever received.  Get to know Dante a little better off the pitch in this week’s Player Q&A.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Chadds Ford, PA

Q: What is one thing you have to have when traveling?
A: Clean Underwear.

Q: What would you be if you weren’t a professional soccer player?
A: I would be a Roller Coaster Engineer. I studied engineering at Northeastern University. Growing up I loved riding roller coasters but I was always too short so I would stuff socks in my shoes to give myself a couple more inches! It was always a dream job of mine when I was a kid.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: The most important play is the next one. Good soccer advice but also good life advice.

Q: Who is the best dancer on the team?
A: Phil. He doesn’t dance a lot but when he does, he’s got the best moves. 

Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: Teleportation. How awesome would it be to be anywhere you wanted instantly.

Q: What is one thing that is overrated?
A: Grape Jelly, I like just peanut butter sandwiches.

Q: What is the best purchase you have made so far this year?
A: Tug, my new puppy. He’s a golden retriever, we just got him a couple of weeks ago. He loves napping in the day and keeping us up at night!

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: People who don’t know how to merge.

Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration?
A: My Mom and Dad. Their support and sacrifices are something I appreciate so much. It’s really special when they are able to make it out for a game, I love seeing them in the stands.

Q: What was one thing that helped you through your recovery from surgery and do you have any advice for players that are going through the same thing?
A: Dreaming. The mental side is the hardest part of a recovery. It’s important to stay positive.

Q: Who is your favorite soccer player of all time?
A: Messi, he’s a lefty like I am. Quick and crafty like me too. 

Q: Do you have any superstitions?
A: Not really but I will say I always have some Goldfish for lunch on game day.

Q: If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be and what would you be doing?
A: The Sistine Chapel. Italy is a must-do vacation for me, especially since I have Italian Citizenship.

Q: What would be your karaoke song?
A: Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis

Q: What is your go-to goal celebration?
A: I never really had a go-to celebration until last year. Hopefully, the windmill will return this year. Scoring that first goal after my recovery last year was one of the highlights of my career so far, I’ll never forget that feeling.