The Charleston Battery claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Louisville City FC in front of a sold-out crowd at Patriots Point on Tuesday. After conceding an early goal, the Battery rallied from behind to score three goals in the first half via MD Myers (10’) and Nick Markanich (22’ and 30’). Charleston dealt Louisville their first loss of 2024 and simultaneously replaced them in first in the Eastern Conference standings.
The sold-out crowd in Charleston paired with the thrilling contest put an exclamation mark on the USL Championship’s debut on CBS Sports Network.
The battle of the unbeatens began with Louisville striking first in the 9th minute via Jorge Gonzalez off a corner kick.
Charleston immediately responded in the 10th minute by applying heavy pressure during the restart. MD Myers was Johnny on the Spot and scored off Chris Allan's shot that hit the woodwork, beating goalkeeper Damian Las with his return service. The goal was Myers’ second of the season.
The Battery continued to put LouCity under pressure and were awarded a penalty in the 22nd minute for a handball by Kyle Adams. Nick Markanich took the spot attempt a minute later and buried it to give Charleston a 2-1 lead.
Markanich wasn’t done there and would add to the Battery’s lead at the half-hour mark. Juan David Torres picked out Markanich with a perfect switch pass across the field to initiate the play. From there, Markanich settled on the ball and delivered a sublime strike off the volley and into the back of the net. The brace after a half-hour brings Markanich’s goal tally on the year to five.
Charleston took a commanding 3-1 lead into halftime. The Battery out-shot LouCity 13 to two and held over 61% of possession.
Play resumed with both sides eager to leave their mark in the second half. The visitors managed to pull a goal back in the 52nd minute via Taylor Davila off a corner kick.
After Louisville’s goal, the intensity only ramped up as play went on. The Battery were awarded another penalty in the 84th minute following a violent collision between Las and Emilio Ycaza in the box. Aaron Molloy took the following spot attempt but his strike was saved by Las, who made an additional save on Myers’ follow-up shot off the rebound.
The Battery would hold off LouCity’s late advances and secure the 3-2 victory. The win extended Charleston’s undefeated streak to six matches while also dealing Louisville their first loss of the year and snapping their four-game winning streak.
Tuesday’s victory also propels Charleston (3W-0L-3D, 12pts) to first in the Eastern Conference table, replacing the now-third place LouCity.
Charleston have now come back to win six points from losing positions this year. As of writing, no other team has recovered more points.
Markanich’s five goals through six games currently place him for the second most in the league this season
