Charleston Battery return home to face Pittsburgh at MUSC Health Stadium

Our match preview of the Battery’s third game on the year, where they look to win their third in a row.

A view from the Regiment (Photo credit: Erin Moyer)

You have to go back to 2011 to find the last time the Battery lost to the Pittsburgh in USL/USLPro play. Charleston hopes to keep that trend going this Saturday when they take on the Riverhounds at MUSC Health Stadium.

Season so far

Charleston: The Battery have started their season very strong with a win at home vs. FC Cincinnati and a win on the road vs. the Charlotte Independence. Both games saw the boys in black and yellow take advantage of their opportunities in front of the net, especially late in the game: 3 of their 4 goals have come after the 70th minute. An efficient offense coupled with a physical and disciplined back line have made it difficult for opposing teams so far in 2017.

Pittsburgh: The Riverhounds opened their season with a thrilling 3–3 draw vs. the reigning USL Champs, NYRBII. They followed it up with a tough 1–0 defeat against FC Cincinnati that saw the Riverhounds play the final 50 minutes down a man. Pittsburgh is hoping that their offensive output from their first match will pair up with the strong defensive performance from their 2nd match and lead to their first win of 2017.

Match Prediction:

Battery win 2-1

If history has anything to say about it, the Battery should come away with their 3rd win of the season on Saturday night. However, we are still early in the season: players on both clubs are still learning to play together and figure out the best way for them to attack the game. The Battery’s combination of Portillo to Lasso is a key asset, which has resulted in 2 goals in 2 games. Also, the size and strength of Guerra and Williams up top will make it difficult for any defense to contain. At the end of the day, the Battery is playing at home and MUSC Health Stadium has been known around the league as one of the toughest places to leave with any points.

Previous Meetings this Decade (Results are for Charleston)

2016 (USL)

2–1 (Win)

1–1 (Draw)

2015 (USL)

1–1 (Draw)

3–1 (Win)

2014 (USL Pro)

4–0 (Win)

1–1 (Draw)

0–0 (Draw)

2013 (USL Pro)

1–1 (Draw)

2–0 (Win)

2012 (USL Pro)

3–1 (Win)

1–0 (Win)

2011 (USL Pro)

0–2 (Loss)

0–0 (Draw)

0–0 (Draw)

2010 (USL 2nd Division)

1–2 (Loss)

4–3 (Win)

2–1 (Win)

0–0 (Draw)

Official Club Previews:

Charleston Battery

Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Previous Match Streams:

Be sure to check back after the game for our recap, and follow @SoccerNSweetTea on Twitter for all the latest Carolina soccer news.