After five wins in five games and no losses since March, the Charleston Battery are cruising atop the Eastern Conference table with 17 points, tying them with the first place team that puts chili on spaghetti noodles and will remain nameless.

In the U.S. Open Cup this week, the Battery defeated South Georgia Tormenta FC, 1–0. The win moves the Battery into the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, but also keeps a winning streak alive that brings back memories of last season’s hot start.

The Fury meanwhile also saw significant roster changes during the offseason, and they haven’t worked out quite as well. Five players departed and nine players were signed, including former Battery captain Colin Falvey. The Fury then started their season losing their first three matches, conceding 10 goals to their opponents.

However, it appears that they may have solved some of the issues that plagued them through week nine, as they have won their last two matches, scoring three of their season total five goals in the last two matches.

While the Fury will try and channel their recent successes coming into Charleston, they face two huge obstacles. Charleston’s oppressive heat and humidity… and Ataulla “The Slayer” Guerra. With temperatures predicted in the 80’s and humidity already above 80%, the weather will be as big a factor in the match as Guerra, who with his five goals is tied for second place in the USL.

Here are a few of Coach Mike Anhaeuser’s thoughts on Saturday’s match:

“ The big thing for us is we have to keep them under pressure. We’re going to approach the game similar to the way we approached Tampa. They’ve got guys who are a little older and a little more experienced, and when that’s the case, you have to make them work. You can’t give them time and space on the ball. We have to play our game. We know they’re a good team. They have offensive weapons and they’re very good defensively, so we’ve got to put them under pressure.”

With just eight points this season and a 2–4–2 overall record, the Fury find themselves in sole possession of 15th place, just above Toronto FC II at the bottom of the table.

The Battery, with an overall record of 5–2–2, have conceded only three goals since the March 31st loss to the Baby Bulls. With a current win streak at four USL games (the longest currently in the USL this season), the Battery hope to make it five in a row, which would tie their longest winning streak since 2013.

Battery players to watch

Charleston’s Lethal Weapon reboot: Guerra and Gordon Wild have become an unstoppable tandem in the Battery attack. Guerra’s five goals and Wild’s three goals and two assists make them the juggernauts to be reckoned with under Coach Anhaeuser’s 3–4–2–1 offense.

Fury player to watch

Colin Falvey: The former Battery captain and defender was named to the USL Team of the Week last week for his last minute goal against Penn FC, giving Ottawa its second win of the season.

Predicted Battery starting XI

Kuzminsky (GK), Thomas, Mueller, Hackshaw, Rittmeyer, Anunga, Candela, van Schaik, Higashi, Guerra, Wild.

Available subs: Cooper (GK), Arambula, Kelly, Okwonko, Svantesson, Bolt (questionable), Archer, Woodbine.

Recent form

Charleston: D| W | W | W | W

Ottawa: D | L | D| W | W

Past meetings (results are for Charleston)

The Battery is 0–0–2 all time against Ottawa, with draws both home and away. Ottawa entered the USL in 2017.

2017: D | D

The DrewOnTarget Prediction

With only one win on the road against Penn FC, the Fury have no chance of getting three points in Charleston. All poutine aside, the Battery are going to be nearly impossible to beat, especially at home. Not only will Guerra and Wild have the Regiment set off smoke in E1, the Battery will take the three points to remain atop the table in the east.

Final score: 2–0 Battery

Game info

Charleston Battery vs. Ottawa Fury FC, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19th @ MUSC Health Stadium.

Broadcast: MyTV Charleston, ESPN+

Officiating crew

Referee: Kevin Broadley

ARs: Ryan Graves, Brian Marshall

Fourth: Wayne Pavilschek

Game Hashtag: #CHSvOTT

Thanks for reading! Be sure to check back after the games for our recaps, read all our Battery coverage here, and, as always, follow Soccer ’n’ Sweet Tea on Twitter for all the latest Carolina soccer news.

Up the Battery!