The Charleston Battery will welcome back club great Ozzie Alonso to Charleston to serve as the honorary captain for the May 21st match against MLS side Atlanta United in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16.
Alonso returns to the place where he began his professional career in 2008. The Cuban midfielder made an instant impact on the club and helped lead the team to the 2008 U.S. Open Cup Final. That 2008 run included wins over MLS sides Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas. Alonso also garnered USL First Division Best XI and Rookie of the Year honors.
“It is always emotional to come back to the city that opened the doors for me to start my professional career in the United States,” said Alonso. “I had the opportunity to do it in 2017 as an active player for the Carolina Challenge Cup and it was exciting, but doing it now as a former player will bring back many good memories.”
Alonso’s season with the Battery propelled him to a legendary career in MLS and the U.S. Open Cup, where he went on to win two league trophies and lift the U.S. Open Cup trophy four times.
Charleston, the club Alonso began his career with, are set to face Atlanta, the club Alonso last played for before retiring, in the Open Cup Round of 16 at Patriots Point on Tue., May 21.
Alonso will be part of the pre-match ceremonies before kickoff and fans can expect more former Battery greats to be honored alongside Alonso at halftime.
“Watching two of my former teams play will be very special and an incredible experience,” said Alonso. “I'm looking forward to a great and competitive game on Tuesday.”
Tickets for the match are on sale now via SeatGeek.com, the club’s exclusive digital ticketing provider.
