Saturday was a historic night in Charleston. The Charleston Battery hosted Uncle Arthur’s Trust Fund United 2 for the first time at MUSC Health Stadium and paid tribute to head coach Mike Anhaeuser, who celebrated his 25th anniversary with the Battery.

The Battery managed to hold off the visitors from the ATL for the win 1–0 on the strength of an Ian Svantesson penalty kick. With the shutout, goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper entered the USL history books, Anhaeuser added win number 199 to his stat line on Augie Night and the Battery’s unbeaten streak now sits at 11 games.

In his pre-match interview, Anhaeuser mentioned resting key players after back-to-back bus rides to North Carolina and Florida. He made nine changes to the starting lineup the team fielded Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The diamond formation saw changes predominantly up front and in the middle, with Ian Svantesson returning after being sidelined for six weeks due to injury. Tah Brian Anunga got his first night off all season and Odisnel “Super” Cooper put on the gloves to start in the box.

With the Atlanta United first team on a MLS bye week, the Atlanta United 2's starting XI featured seven first team players, including former Battery players Romario Williams, Andrew Carlton, Miles Robinson and Alec Kann. Three other first team players were available as substitutes.

In the first match between these teams earlier in the season, Atlanta United 2 dominated not only the possession but most of the major stats — except goals scored. This game was no different. ATL 2 held more than 63 percent possession and had 637 passes compared to the Battery’s 372. Atlanta also had a nearly 91 percent passing accuracy and 19 crosses compared to the Battery’s nine crosses.

The first half saw a majority of the possession held into the middle of the field, with both teams managing to get the ball into their attacking third but failing to score.

USL first half heat map #CHSvATL

In the 24th minute, ATL 2 nearly scored its first goal against the Battery when Yosef Samuel played a pass to Williams, who created space and sent a rocket off his left foot just outside the 18 in a scene all too familiar to the Battery faithful just outside the 18. Cooper, sans Superman cape, elevated and got his paw on Williams’ low earth orbit rocket to keep the match deadlocked at 0–0.

The Battery had several brilliant runs in the first half. In the 28th minute, Neveal Hackshaw picked the pocket of an ATL 2 player and blew threw two different defenders, hit the nitro and ended up in ATL 2’s defending third before fans could yell “Hackshaw.” Hawkshaw sent a laser-guided cross in to Patrick Okonkwo from the left side into the box, but Okonkwo’s Flying Dutchman header at the spot was caught by Kann.

The Battery broke down the ATL 2 defense and were finally able to capitalize on it in the 40th minute. Angelo Kelly connected with Svantesson, who had posted up inside the 18. Svantesson immediately dished to Kotaro Higashi, who drove across the box and was tripped by A.J. Cochran’s extended left leg. Referee Lorant Varga blew his whistle and pointed to the spot, awarding the Battery a penalty kick.

Svantesson picked up the ball, put it on the spot and sized up Kann. Svantesson sent Kann the wrong way and buried the penalty on the right side of the net for his second goal of the year.

The Battery paid tribute to Anhaeuser during the halftime break, with former Battery players like Seattle Sounders captain Ozzie Alonso and Atlanta United forward Romario Williams making an appearance. USL President Jake Edwards and former Battery presidents Nigel Cooper and Andrew Bell were also there to honor Anhaeuser.

The second half was much like the first half: ATL 2 maintained a majority of the possession but the Battery defense was able to break up most of the attacks. The Battery on the night recorded nearly three times as many tackles and double the clearances, frustrating the young but talented squad.

USL second half heat map #CHSvATL

Game notes

Solid. Even with nine changes to the starting XI the Battery were able to shutdown ATL 2, limiting them to just two shots on goal. Solid performances by Angelo Kelly, Neveal Hackshaw and Leland Archer helped secure a much-needed three points. Rest. Anhaeuser was able to rest key players after playing three matches in a week, two of which required more than 20 hours on the bus. With a well-rested and healthy squad, Anhaeuser has multiple weapons at his disposal as the team prepares to travel to Ohio and take on the first place team in the Eastern Conference, FC Cincinnati.

By the numbers

With Tah Brian Anunga earning the well-deserved night off, rookie Angelo Kelly stepped up big time, leading the Battery with 51 passes and a 90.2 percent passing accuracy.

Kelly also filled in admirably on defense, recording eight of the team’s 21 tackles. Leland Archer and Hackshaw combined for 12 of the Battery’s 19 clearances.

Match summary

In Defense of Charleston

Odisnel Cooper: With several critical saves, including the rocket from Williams, Cooper earned his second clean sheet of the season and set a USL record with the 40th shutout of his career.

Angelo Kelly. The rookie continues to impress. Kelly’s tenacious game play in the midfield is often overshadowed as he shares duties with Anunga, but the spotlight was Kelly’s Saturday night and he did not disappoint.

Box score

Charleston Battery — 1

Atlanta United 2 — 0

Match Highlights

Up next

The Battery travel to the land of chili, cheese and onions on spaghetti noodles to take on Eastern Conference leader FC Cincinnati. Anhaeuser sits at 199 career wins, the most in the USL modern era, and everyone in Battery land wants number 200 to happen against WKRP FC in Cincinnati.

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Up the Battery!