Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Friday, April 13, 2012
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery take on the Richmond Kickers this Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium in their 2012 Home Opener; gates open at 6 PM, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ($10 - $18, www.charlestonbattery.com / (843) 971-GOAL (4625)). The Battery defeated Richmond 2-1 last Saturday in the season opener in a game played in Richmond, Va. Rookie midfielder Jose Cuevas led the way scoring both Charleston goals to lift the Battery to victory.
Cuevas scored the opening goal in the 41st minute heading home a John Wilson cross. After Richmond’s Stanley Nyazamba had leveled the score just before the half Cuevas struck again in the 67th minute drilling home from close range.
The Battery and the Kickers have been battling since 1993, both teams are celebrating their 20th anniversaries in 2012 and along with fellow USL PRO side the Charlotte Eagles are the longest continuously operating professional soccer teams in the United States.
In honor of the occasion Charleston and Richmond will both wear ‘retro’ uniforms on Saturday night; the Battery will wear a vintage black and white Umbro kit while the Kickers will wear a custom green and blue strip inspired by both clubs’ first seasons.
The Battery’s first ever league match was against Richmond on May 1 1993 in a game played at Stoney Field in downtown Charleston. The Battery won that match 2-1 behind goals from Mario Lone and Nigel James.
The overall series between the teams is tipped slightly in Charleston’s favor. In the 44 games played the Battery have won 21 lost 19 with four games ending tied. Both teams were successful on their home turf in 2011, as the clubs exchanged a 2-1 scoreline early in the season.
Over the years there have been several players that have played for both sides, the list includes: Mario Lone, Marco Feruzzi, Mike Burke, Scott Cannon, Mac Cozier, Kevin Scott, Greg Simmonds, Josh Henderson, Kelvin Jones, Luke Vercollone & Anthony Catalano.
Listen to the game live on 1340 AM
There will be a live radio broadcast of Saturday’s game on 1340 AM with the pre-game build-up starting at 7:15 p.m. Fans can also watch the game live online at www.uslnation.com.
Complimentary Bus Shuttle from Downtown
There is a complimentary shuttle bus service from King Street in Downtown Charleston out to Blackbaud Stadium and then back downtown after the game. The shuttle will leave from Midtown Bar and Grill at 6:30 p.m. on game days; Midtown will be offering Happy Hour specials prior to departure! Space is limited so please make sure to get there in time to ensure a seat!
Free magnet schedules and post-game FIREWORKS!
Everyone in attendance on Saturday will receive a complimentary magnet schedule courtesy of the game sponsor, McLaughlin, Smoak & Clark Benefits. There will be a spectacular fireworks display immediately following the match. Tickets are on sale now starting at just $10; to purchase tickets or for more information please visit www.charlestonbattery.com or call (843) 971-GOAL (4625).