It has been a few years since the Battery and the Silverbacks have played each other: August 8, 2008 was their last meeting and that match ended in a 0–0 draw. When the two clubs meet again on Wednesday night, the match will not be ending in a draw. This game will be played as part of the 104th Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Atlanta defeated SC United Bantams last week for the right to play the Battery who are playing their first match in the historic tournament.

There is a lot of history between these two clubs. Prior to Atlanta United bringing MLS to the ATL, the Silverbacks were the #1 show in town and the Battery would travel there during their pre-USL days.

In all my research, I could not find a time that the Battery enjoyed themselves in Atlanta. In fact, between May 2004 and August 2008 the Battery had a record of 0–8–2 in Atlanta (4–11–4 overall vs. Atlanta).

So, when the clubs step onto the pitch on Wednesday night, the Battery will not have history on their side. However, they will have experience, talent, and a hot streak going for them.

Since their last meeting in 2008, the Silverbacks and the Battery have taken two drastically different paths. The Battery have grown into a model pro soccer franchise and moved up to the 2nd division in US Soccer with the USL. The Silverbacks kept a lower profile and now play in the NPSL after dropping down from NASL at the end of the 2015 season.

Both clubs have a rich history and honestly have a lot to do with MLS coming to Atlanta, but they will get a chance to renew their rivalry in US Open Cup play on Wednesday night.

Charleston’s Open Cup History

I could not write this article without touching on the Battery’s long history in Open Cup play. Recently, they have seen years with controversy (losing at home PDL side Villages SC but moving on due to the fact that they played an ineligible player) and heartbreak (three straight Extra Time losses including back-to-back shootout losses to their rivals in Orlando).

However, the Battery have had plenty of US Open Cup success too. They have defeated 7 MLS clubs since 2007 and made it all the way to the Open Cup Final against D.C. United in 2008, where they lost in Extra Time 2–1.

Many Battery supporters say they were robbed in D.C. that day and I tend to agree with them. Watch the highlights and see for yourself.

Season So Far

Charleston: The Battery currently sit on top of the USL Eastern Conference and are riding a 5 match unbeaten streak. The team has been lead up front by Super Romario Williams and Ataulla Guerra. Justin Portillo has held down the midfield and Forrest Lasso has caused havoc on set pieces this season, scoring 4 goals. Charleston is playing great soccer right now and they hope to carry that momentum and make another run at the Cup!

Atlanta: The Silverbacks sit 2nd in the NPSL Southeast Division with a record of 2–0–1. Their only loss came to the club that sits above them in 1st, the Birmingham Hammers. Atlanta has started their season strong, especially when you include their dominant Open Cup victory over SC United Bantams.

Atlanta has posted back-to-back league shutouts and will hope that the offense that showed up in their first round Open Cup match returns.

Moyer’s Match Preview

I would be lying if I said I did not expect the Battery to win on Wednesday afternoon. However, I would also be lying if I said I expected the Battery to blowout Atlanta. The Silverbacks know how to win at home and playing a USL club is huge for them. Battery supporters are hoping for a 4th round match up with an MLS power just like Silverback supports were hoping for this matchup. Taking down a club from a higher division is huge for any club and on Wednesday, I expect the Silverbacks to come out swinging. I also expect the Battery to play players who have seen more time on the bench than the pitch this season. I know the Battery have a deep bench. Hopefully players will take advantage of this opportunity and help propel the Battery into the 3rd round.

Final Score: Battery Win 3–2

Past Meetings (Results are for Charleston)

2008 (USL 1st Division)

0–0 (Draw)

1–2 (Loss)

2–0 (Win)

2007 (USL 1st Division)

1–2 (Loss)

2–3 (Loss)

2–1 (Win)

2–0 (Win)

2006 (USL 1st Division)

0–1 (Loss)

0–1 (Loss)

2–3 (Loss)

0–0 (Draw)

Thanks for reading, and sorry for the late post (editor’s fault, sorry y’all). Be sure to check back after the game for our recap, read all our Battery coverage here (there’s been a lot!), and as always, follow @SoccerNSweetTea on Twitter for all the latest Carolina soccer news.