By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery return home to host San Antonio FC on Sat., May 13, in a clash between the top team in the Eastern Conference and the league's defending champions. Kickoff at Patriots Point is set for 7:30 pm.
Saturday is the second-ever meeting between Charleston and San Antonio. The Texas club won the first fixture, a 2-0 result at Toyota Field last year.
Charleston enter this weekend looking to build upon their 0-1 road victory over Las Vegas Lights FC last Friday. Augi Williams scored the match-winning goal from the penalty spot and Trey Muse put on a Player of the Week performance with six saves, including a penalty save, to win the game. The victory propelled the Black and Yellow back into first in the Eastern Conference standings.
San Antonio arrive in the Lowcountry having also secured a road victory over Las Vegas, a 2-1 win on Sunday. The result snapped a four-match winless run in league play for the defending champions. San Antonio currently sit fifth in the Western Conference but are tied for the third-most points in the conference and are just two points off the pace of leaders Sacramento.
Samuel Adeniran is a player to watch for San Antonio. The St. Louis CITY SC loanee notched a goal and assist in their win over Las Vegas.
San Antonio's roster also features three other players on loan from MLS clubs: Isaiah Parker (FC Dallas), Tani Oluwaseyi (Minnesota United FC) and Rida Zouhir (CF Montréal).
Jesse Randall is one to keep an eye on for the Battery. The New Zealand youth international has progressed with strong performances in his recent appearances since arriving in Charleston last month.
Aidan Apodaca is approaching 100 career appearances in the USL Championship regular season, he currently sits at 97.
The weather for Saturday's fixture is set to be pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s and clear skies at Patriots Point in the forecast.
The Battery will be celebrating Military Appreciation Night at Patriots Point with presenting partner Hendrick Volvo Cars of Charleston on Saturday. There will be a variety of fundraising and donation initiatives, including player-worn warm-up jerseys that will later be autographed and a pair of Air Jordan shoes worn by Head Coach Ben Pirmann during the game and then autographed. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Palmetto Military Support Group.
