The Charleston Battery always seem to be cast aside and ignored by pundits, critics, “sports analysts” and the USL. The four-time USL champions do not garner the flashy headlines or draw tens of thousands of fans each home match like some USL teams, but the Battery have what no other USL team can put on their resume:

Founded in 1993, the Battery is the oldest continuously operating professional soccer club in the United States. We were here first.

Blackbaud Stadium, now MUSC Health Stadium, was the first privately-funded soccer-specific stadium constructed in the United States during the modern era. We don’t play on faux grass or in a baseball stadium.

privately-funded soccer-specific stadium constructed in the United States during the modern era. We don’t play on faux grass or in a baseball stadium. And we won four league championship titles in 1996, 2003, 2010 and 2012.

So it doesn’t matter if Charleston gets overlooked in the USL’s midseason awards. We’re going to recognize the best of the Battery right here on Soccer ’n’ Sweet Tea.

The Regiment, Charleston’s supporters’ group, asked fans to vote for their favorite Battery player in seven midseason award categories. Here are the results.

Best Newcomer

Jay Bolt, defender

Jay Bolt (Photo Credit: Charleston Battery)

Jay Bolt, the standout from The Bolles School and University of Northern Florida, has made his presence known on the pitch. Coach Mike Anhaeuser has put the rookie into the starting XI 11 times this season. With 20 clearances, 20 interceptions, 15 tackles, two blocked shots, an assist and a nearly 50 percent aerial duel win rate, the 5-foot-7 defender has quickly become a fan favorite.

(Read our one-on-one conversation with Bolt here.)

Best Hair

Neveal Hackshaw (aka Curtis), midfielder

Neveal Hackshaw (Photo Credit: Charleston Battery)

Just how Neveal Hackshaw’s hair become known as Curtis is a story for another article. But even with stiff competition from fellow Battery players, Hackshaw definitely has the best hair in soccer. How could a hairdo that also has its own Twitter account, stickers and buttons, and was recently interviewed on Channel 2 News not be the fan favorite?

Best Goal Celebration

O’Brian Woodbine, defender

O’Brian Woodbine (Photo Credit: Charleston Battery)

O’Brian Woodbine, the veteran defender has tallied two goals and one assist this season. After his second goal of the season on the road against Toronto FC II, the 30-year-old Jamaican celebrated with a cartwheel straight into a back flip, sticking the landing in his trademark hot pink boots. The fans voted this the best goal celebration so far this season.

Best save

Joe Kuzminsky, goalkeeper

Joe Kuzminsky (Photo Credit: Charleston Battery)

Joe Kuzminsky in his second season with the Battery, has recorded seven clean sheets with 31 saves in 14 appearances. The goalkeeper earned not only the Battery fan vote for Best Save with his fingertip save against North Carolina FC, but also won USL Save of the Week honors for Week 17.

Best Rookie

Gordon Wild, forward

Gordon Wild (Photo Credit: Charleston Battery)

University of Maryland’s Gordon Wild was the 2018 MLS Superdraft pick by Atlanta United. The German international rookie was placed on loan with the Battery for the 2018 season and has put up impressive numbers. Wild has started 13 matches and appeared in 19. In his 1,163 minutes of playing time, he has scored six goals (including braces in two matches) and recorded three assists. Wild has done this while teaming with fellow forwards Ataulla Guerra and Kotaro Higashi and creating 17 chances.

Best Defender

Taylor Mueller, defender

Taylor Mueller (Photo Credit: Charleston Battery)

The veteran captain has started in 19 of the Battery’s 20 matches this year, having taking off recently to get married. Mueller’s defensive stats are as impressive as his leadership on the field, recording 104 clearances, 16 blocked shots, 30 interceptions, 24 tackles, winning 87 duels and 54 aerial duels. On offense, Mueller has recorded a pair of assists and maintains nearly an 79 percent passing accuracy over 700 passes.

Most Valuable Player

Ataulla Guerra, forward

Ataulla Guerra (Photo Credit: Charleston Battery)

The King of Charleston has scored 11 goals just past the midway point of the season, which puts him in front of the USL Golden Boot race. The Trinidadian is cool as ice under pressure and that has allowed the veteran to create space and take quality shots. Goal scoring aside, it is Guerra’s presence on the field that changes the dynamic of the game. Tallying two assists and leading the team with 23 chances created, he is one of the best forwards in the USL.

USL recap of Ataulla Guerra’s USL Golden Boot race 11 goals.

Thank you to everyone that voted and congratulations to the award winners and nominees.

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