By: Battery Media
The Charleston Battery hit the road for their final away match of the regular season this weekend, against El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday, September 30th. Kickoff at Southwest University Park is set for 9:30 pm ET.
The Battery and Locomotive FC have never previously played each other before, making Saturday's contest the inaugural meeting.
Charleston (16W-7L-8D, 56 pts) arrive in Texas following a 2-1 victory over FC Tulsa last week, extending their undefeated run to five matches. Fidel Barajas powered the Black and Yellow with the first brace of his professional career. The victory continued Charleston’s fight to secure home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
El Paso (11W-12L-7D, 40 pts) stay at home following a 1-1 home draw with Phoenix Rising FC. Josue Gomez's goal shortly after halftime nearly won it for Locomotive FC until Carlos Harvey struck for Phoenix in stoppage time. El Paso are fighting for survival in their postseason ambitions as they're in the first spot outside the playoffs, ninth in the Western Conference standings.
Emilio Ycaza is a player to watch for Charleston. The crafty midfielder has recorded an assist in back-to-back matches for the Battery.
Erik McCue is one to keep an eye on for El Paso. The former Battery defender is a two-time Team of the Week selection this year and currently leads the team in clearances and blocks.
Nick Markanich and Juan Sebastian Palma return to availability this weekend after serving respective suspensions during the Tulsa game.
Barajas became the youngest player to record a two-goal game in the USL Championship this season, and the ninth-youngest in league history, with his brace against Tulsa. Barajas is also the youngest player to record a two-assist game in the league this season and ranks fourth-youngest in the league's history overall in that category.
Two players are nearing the century mark for appearances in the USL Championship regular season: Trey Muse (99) and AJ Paterson (98).
The Battery also tied the league record for the best season-to-season points turnaround with a +31 point differential from last year's campaign. With three games remaining in the regular season, Charleston will have a chance to set a new Championship record.
