154 days ago, during the 2018 season opener, FC Cincinnati recovered a blocked shot by Odisnel “Super” Cooper and scored an 18th minute goal that would stand as the game winner in a 1–0 loss for the Battery. That goal allowed FCC to change their history books: They beat Charleston for the first time in their history.

Fast forward five months, and the day Battery fans have circled, underlined, and highlighted on their 2018 calendar has arrived. The Battery (11–3–10) who are tied on points with second place Pittsburgh, sit just five points behind first place FCC (14–3–6) on the table and now travel to face FCC at home.

Since the last meeting in March, FCC has been making preparations for their “ascent” into MLS in 2019 and have used targeted 2019 MLS money in a “pay-day loan scenario” to sign Portland Timber forward Fanendo Adi and San Jose Quake midfielder Fatai Alashe.

FCC also added Swedish international defender Pa Konate on loan from Italy’s Serie A S.P.A.L.

Neither Alashe, who was sidelined with the Quakes with a knee injury, nor Konate, who is still waiting for his visa, have logged time with FCC since signing. Adi, who spent nearly 20 weeks injured last year and most of June and July of this year with a hamstring injury, has seen less than 30 minutes of playing time in two appearances as a substitute.

The Battery have ten matches remaining in the 2018 regular season and sit in third place today. With just nine points separating the Battery from eighth place Ottawa, wins are still needed to secure a top spot on the table come playoff time. Leaving points on the table in games like these could mean the difference between a first round home playoff match or having to travel.

SNST asked Charleston native and The Leagues Podcast host Del Schaffer about his thoughts for this weekend’s match up, and he said:

“After losing the first match of the season at home to FC Cincinnati, we would love to return the favor in Cincinnati on Saturday night. Both teams have the longest unbeaten runs in USL. Yet, FCC has never beaten the Battery at Nippert Stadium. Something has to give! Even though Cincy has added two players from MLS in Fanendo Adi (Portland) and Fatai Alashe (San Jose), the Battery will not be scared and will be led by USL goal scoring leader Ataulla Guerra.”

SNST also reached out to our friends at the Orange and Blue Press who cover FCC and asked for their thoughts on the pending showdown between two of the best teams in the USL:

“FC Cincinnati is on a 12-match unbeaten run, a club record. They have gone 8–0–4 in this stretch, last losing at home to Lou City on May 26th. The new player signees and arrivals have added intrigue and promise for the USL Cup run and the future. However, the play on the field has not reciprocated. FCC is not in their best form of late, playing to a sluggish 1–1 draw two weeks ago vs Nashville SC and leaving it late to topple Penn FC 1–0 on Sunday. Saturday’s match ends a six-game home stretch for FCC and brings the added intrigue of Charleston coach Mike Anhaeuser going for his 200th USL win. Your boys in Black and Yellow are seeking to extract some revenge to make up for FCC’s opening weekend win in March. Look for the Orange & Blue to deploy a 4–2–3–1 line-up, utilizing their roster depth at central defensive midfield. This will help alleviate the high pressure applied by the Battery’s top three and drive attacks down the flanks. Expect Fanendo Adi to get his first FCC start up top, drawing a lot of attention from the strong Charleston backline. Set pieces have been an elixir for FC Cincinnati lately, accounting for five of the team’s last six goals.”

Predicted Battery starting XI

Kuzminsky (GK), Hacksaw, Mueller (Captain), Thomas, Woodbine, Anunga, Kelly, van Schaik, Higashi, Guerra, Wild.

Available subs: Cooper (GK), Bolt, Archer, Marini, Arambula, Rittmeyer, Candela, Svantesson, Mansaray, Okonkwo

WKRP FC in Cincinnati Key Players

Emmanuel Ledesma. Ledesma is only the second USL player to score 10 goals and record 10 assists. While his performance has been flat in his last three matches, Coach Anhaeuser had this to say about him:

“Ledesma was fantastic when he was here and that was just the first game of the season. He’s carried that through pretty much the entire season so far. You have to be aware of where he is. He pulls to the right, he pulls to the left. He’s left footed, he bends the ball in from either flank. He’ll take a shot from anywhere if he sees the goalkeeper out of position. He has that quality that makes him an impact player.”

Current form

Charleston: W | W | D | D | W

Cincinnati: W | W | W | D | W

Past meetings (results are for Charleston)

The Battery leads the all-time series 3–1–2 (2–1–0 home; 1–0–2 away).

2018 (USL)

0–1 (Loss at Home)

2017 (USL)

2–2 (Draw away)

2–1 (Win at home)

2016 (USL)

2–1 (Win away) USL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

1–1 (Draw away)

1–0 (Win at home)

The DrewOnTarget Prediction

While the Orange and Blue Press have kindly predicted a 1–1 draw and a point for Charleston on the road, I see it differently. The Battery team that FCC faced in March is dramatically different from the one we see today. A new 3–4–3 form and personnel changes to the Starting XI have made the Black and Yellow one of the best defenses in the USL. They have reinforced my preseason prediction that this team is one of the best in the league and will challenge for that fifth championship come playoff time.

FCC meanwhile has been flat with the recent play, with MLS expansion and new player signings mixed in with pomp and circumstance. They recently drew at home against Nashville, and only beat Penn FC on an own goal off a defender’s head. While FCC players are fighting for a job next season, the Battery are hungry for the win too and will certainly be looking for payback for the opening day loss at home (the Battery’s only loss at home all season).

The Battery are undefeated in their history at Nippert Stadium, and after securing win number 199 at home for Coach, a well-rested Battery will leave everything on the “faux grass.” They will give Coach his 200th win Saturday night: Expect a last minute goal from the Black and Yellow ... Eight seconds, midline to back of the net. Hackshaw → Guerra → Anunga…GOAL!

Final score: 2–1 Battery

Game details

What: FC Cincinnati vs. Charleston Battery

Where: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

When: Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

Broadcast: MyTV Charleston

Stream: ESPN +

USL Match Center

Referee: Rosendo Mendoza

ARs: Benjamin Hall, James Duling

Fourth: Luke Sobota

Game Hashtag: #CINvCHS

Thanks to The Leagues Podcast and Orange and Blue Press for collaborating in this weeks pre-match write up. And thanks to each and every one of you 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!