The Charleston Battery registered an incredible campaign last season, earning a ticket to the USL finals after beating Louisville City FC 2-1 in the Eastern Conference Final. Charleston went ahead to duel with Phoenix Rising FC to the final moments to end the match in a 1-1 stalemate, Phoenix claiming the title through penalty shootouts.
But can the Charleston Battery replicate their last season’s success to reach the USL championship final for the second time in the 2024 season?
Here’s a preview of the Charleston Battery’s road to the USL finals, looking at their performance so far and how they’re expected to perform in their upcoming games.
The Charleston Battery’s impressive performance so far
Despite falling short against Phoenix in the USL final, the Charleson Battery has managed to replicate their last season’s success in the Eastern Conference this season albeit a little slow. The Battery started their campaign against North Carolina but struggled to secure a win in their goalless draw despite dominating most of the game. They also struggled to secure a win on the road against Oakland Roots, despite Nick Markanich giving them an early lead in the 35th minute.
Charleston’s performance in their first two games on the road cast doubts in the eyes on their fans, but they managed to rebound in their first home game against New Mexico, winning the game 4-0. The Battery recorded their second victory against Miami FC and went ahead to register the longest undefeated run in the team’s history in the USL era. However, the Battery is in second place in the USL Eastern Conference after 16 games, standing five points behind the table leaders Louisville City FC.
What’s next for the Charleston Battery?
While the Charleston Battery is only a point ahead of Indy Eleven, they are still the bookmaker’s favorite to win the 2024 Eastern Conference title. Sport bettors can use this code at Unibet sportsbook to bet on the reigning Eastern Conference champion, although they might face strong challenges from teams like Louisville, Detroit, Tampa Bay, and Indy Eleven.
Louisville has recorded an impressive campaign this season, winning their first four games against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, El Paso Locomotive, Birmingham Legion, and Indy Eleven. However, the Battery ended Louisville’s undefeated run with a 3-2 home win. That helped to boost Charleston’s morale in their bid to clinch their second consecutive USL final, but Louisville is still dominating the league ranking at 35 points.
The Battery must also be weary of Indy Eleven (currently ranking third), despite beating them 4-2 in their last game while on the road. However, the Battery’s coach Ben Pirmann seems determined to take his side to another USL final, propelled by talented players like Markanich, Matt Myers, Emilio Ycaza, Aaron Molloy, and Gutierez.
Will the Charleston Battery win the Eastern Conference finals?
With talented players under the leadership of manager Ben Pirmann, betting experts predict the Charleston Battery will reach the Eastern Conference finals this year. However, the Battery might have a challenging time reaching the USL final considering their performance this season.
