By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery head west for their second game of the season, taking on Sacramento Republic FC on Saturday, March 18th. Kickoff at Heart Health Park is slated for 10 pm.
In the historical series between Charleston and Sacramento, the California club has come away victorious in the two meetings, once in 2014 and again in 2022. The Battery will look to avenge last year's result.
The Battery started the year with a stellar performance against Phoenix Rising FC, despite settling for a 1-1 draw. Charleston's high press was influential throughout the night and led to Andrew Booth scoring the night's opening tally. With an xG (expected goals) rating of 2.90 by Opta, the highest of any USLC club on opening weekend, Charleston will look to bring that same offensive prowess to California and capitalize on their chances.
Sacramento opened their campaign with a 0–1 road victory over El Paso Locomotive FC. Republic FC's lone goal came from ex-Pittsburgh forward Russell Cicerone, who the Battery are familiar with from his tenure in Steel City. Another Sacramento player the Battery are incredibly familiar with is Zeiko Lewis, who enters his second year with the team after spending three seasons in the Lowcountry.
Saturday's game will be a homecoming for Fidel Barajas, who is a native of Sacramento and previously played for the Republic FC Academy. Additionally, Augustine Williams, Aidan Apodaca and Tristan Trager will return to the state they grew up in.
Cicerone is the player to watch for Sacramento. Given his recent familiarity with the Eastern Conference and strong debut with Republic FC, he will be poised to make an impact on Saturday.
Chris Allan is one to keep an eye on for the Battery. Allan commanded the midfield throughout the evening against Phoenix, completing 82% of his passes while tallying five interceptions, five duels won, one shot on target and 10 recoveries.
