After having a full week off to recover, the Charleston Battery travel to Charlotte to conclude a four match road trip. The match against the Independence will start the race to see which supporter group will etch their team’s name on the 2018 Southern Derby Cup.

(Learn more about the Southern Derby Cup by reading our short history here and follow the cup on Twitter @Southern_Derby.)

The Battery will be rested for Saturday’s match, while Charlotte is coming off a mid-week draw against Atlanta United 2 in Georgia Wednesday night and blowout loss to the Baby Bulls last Saturday.

The top six of the eight spots in the Eastern Conference table coming into week 14 are separated by just three points. A win Saturday night can move the Battery into third place, ahead of Charlotte.

“I think after this past weekend they’ve bounced back well,” Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser said about how his team is holding up physically. “They looked great yesterday and they really looked good today. They got their feet back under them and we have a full week of training this week which we haven’t had in probably four or five weeks.

“That allows guys to heal up and it allows guys who played multiple games last week to rest as needed. We have a few guys with knocks, which happens when you have multiple games in a week; but overall I think they’re feeling good. You can see the energy in them when they’re training.”

When asked about how he settled in to playing in Anhaeuser’s 3–4–2–1 formation, Battery defender Leland Archer, who made his USL debut against Richmond last Saturday said:

“ I think I’ve adjusted to the team well. I knew a couple of the players before I came in. They made my time easy here. The three back was difficult at first, but I think coach helped me understand what my role is and where I should be positioning wise. I think I’m adjusting well to it.”

Battery players to watch

Ataulla “The Slayer” Guerra: Guerra has been Carolina Kryptonite against Charlotte. After scoring late in last years regular season finale, Guerra also scored against Independence in May at home. The only thing better that a Guerra goal is his postgame celebrations.

Neveal Hackshaw: Both Hackshaw and #12thMan Curtis have been on fire. Last week, Hackshaw led the team with 66 passes while also playing strong defensively, tallying seven clearances, two interceptions and a critical tackle.

Battery players not available

Injuries: Candela — (OUT), Mueller — (DOUBTFUL)

Suspensions: None

International duty: None

Charlotte key players

Jorge Herrera: Herrera has six goals this season on 15 shots on target. While Herrera was not a threat in Charleston, Charlotte went on a tear the last three weeks of May, including a 4–1 rout of FC Cincinnati. If Charlotte has a night like that against the Battery expect Herrera to be in the middle of it.

Herrera has six goals this season on 15 shots on target. While Herrera was not a threat in Charleston, Charlotte went on a tear the last three weeks of May, including a 4–1 rout of FC Cincinnati. If Charlotte has a night like that against the Battery expect Herrera to be in the middle of it. Cordell Cato: Cato is tied with Herrera with most goals on the team. If the Battery defense fails like FCC did last month, Cato will be sure to captialize and get on the board with a goal.

Predicted Battery starting XI

Kuzminsky (GK), Hacksaw, Mueller ©, Archer, Woodbine, Anunga, Arambula, van Schaik, Wild, Guerra, Higashi.

Available subs: Cooper (GK), Thomas, Bolt, Rittmeyer, Kelly, Mansaray, Wild, Okonkwo

Recent form

Charleston: W | D | D| D | L

Charlotte: W | W | W | L | D

Past meetings (results are for Charleston)

The Battery are 7–2–2 all-time against the Independence, 4–0–2 at home and 3–2–0 away. Charleston has outscored the Jacks 19 to 9. The Independence have never won at MUSC Health Stadium.

Past meetings (Results are for Charleston)

2018(USL)

2–0 (Win)

2017 (USL)

1–0 (Win)

3–0 (Win)

2–0 (Win)

2016 (USL)

1–0 (Win)

1–1 (Draw)

2–3 (Loss)

2015 (USL)

3–1 (Win)

1–2 (Loss)

1–1 (Draw)

3–2 (Win)

The DrewOnTarget Prediction

While my colleagues Ben Goshorn and Alex Warren on the Talkin’ Jacks podcast predicted a Charlotte win, I disagree. Charlotte did go on a four match win streak but they were blown out on the road against the Baby Bulls last Saturday and fell flat late against ATL 2, conceding a late goal and a draw. The Battery will prevail.

Final score: 3–1 Battery, with Charlotte converting a free kick from a make believe foul.

Game details

What: Charlotte Independence vs. Charleston Battery

Where: Sportsplex at Matthews, Matthews, N.C.

When: Saturday, June 16, 7:30 p.m.

Battery supporters traveling: The Regiment will be in section 114.

Broadcast: MyTV Charleston and Stream: with ESPN+.

USL Match Center

Referee: Rubiel Vazquez

ARs: Ryan Graves, Benjamin Wooten

Fourth: Eric Barnes

Game Hashtag: #CLTvCHS

Thanks 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!