On Saturday evening in Charleston, the Battery had not only the Pittsburgh Riverhounds to deal with, but along with 2,862 of the Battery faithful, they also endured the Lowcountry's summer humidity and a questionable referee. At the end of 90 minutes, both teams drew even in a defensive showdown that finished in a 0–0 draw.

Our pre-match coverage here at SNST accurately predicted Coach Mike Anhaeuser’s starting XI for this Old Guard Shield (OGS) rivalry. Leland Archer made his second professional career start in the backfield as well as Angelo Kelly in the midfield.

Jarad van Schaik assumed duties as team captain as Taylor Mueller missed his first match in three seasons: He and his fiance Paige got married over the weekend.

As one Battery family started, another celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. SNST extends congratulations to both Taylor and Paige Mueller on their nuptials and Phil and Bobbi Bees on celebrating their Golden Anniversary.

Meanwhile on the pitch, both teams started off in a 3–4–3 formation, which Pittsburgh quickly changed to five in the back, defending with eight in infamous Lilley-ball fashion, as the Battery pushed forward in the opening minutes of the first half.

With the heat index in the triple digits, the Battery were able to drive forward with greater success than Pittsburgh. The Battery, however, were unable to keep their shots on frame, while Pittsburgh was unable to connect with Romeo Parks on their counters.

The Battery opened the second half energized and drove hard into the attacking third. In the 55th minute, Gordon Wild was pulled down by Raymond Lee setting up a free kick. Wild’s free kick was deflected by a lunging Dan Lynd into the crossbar. The ball then landed directly on the line, and the subsequent bounce was cleared by Joe Greenspan as he beat Archer into the six yard box.

Lynd’s deflection into the cross-bar which landed directly on the goal line.

On the ensuing corner kick, Wild connected with Archer who dished off to Ataulla “The Slayer” Guerra. Guerra’s kick from 12 yards out could not get through traffic and was eventually cleared by Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh tried to counter in the 65th and 66th minute, with their best attempts to try and take the lead, however G.I. Joe Kuzminsky had other plans. Kuzminsky saved the header from Greenspan in the 65th. Pittsburgh tried again late in the 76th minute only to have Kenardo Forbes’ shot blocked by a leaping Kelly.

The Battery made runs late into the attacking third but fell short. Their last chance came late in the 90th. Guerra connected with Nico Rittmeyer running up the left side, and Rittmeyer, with Hugh Roberts in tow, dished off just outside and right of the six yard box to Ian Svantesson who was coming up the middle. The pass was too far right for Svantesson to take advantage.

At the end of 90'+4, both teams took a point and Kuzminsky earned his fifth clean sheet in ten starts this season. The Battery (5–3–7) sit in sixth place on the table, three points behind second place Louisville City and seven points behind WKRP FC in Cincinnati.

Eastern Conference Standings through Week 15

By the numbers

The back line and midfield turned in impressive numbers against a well-coached Pittsburgh starting XI. Once again, Neveal Hackshaw powered by #12thMan Curtis and Tah Brian Anunga led the Battery in passing, with Hackshaw posting an impressive 27 long passes.

The Battery had nearly double the number of long passes than Pittsburgh, in no small part to the play of the back line. Skylar Thomas with seven clearances and Anunga with three interceptions were part of the effort that saw Pittsburgh put only one shot on target.

Match summary

In Defense of Charleston

Tah Brian Anunga: With a 84.1% pass accuraacy, three clearances and three crucial interceptions, Anunga’s presence on the field once again cannot be praised enough.

Box score

Charleston Battery — 0

Pittsburgh Riverhounds — 0

Match highlights

Up next

The Battery will need to dig out their passports as they will be heading up north to Toronto for a Sunday match on July 1st. That will be followed up with another away game against NCFC in Raleigh on July 7th. (This will not be a Southern Derby Cup match.)

Up the Battery!