Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Friday, April 19, 2013
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery will officially open the gates at Blackbaud Stadium this Saturday for the club's USL PRO home opener against Antigua Barracuda FC (gates 6 p.m. – kick off 7:30 p.m.). Saturday’s match will be the Battery’s first competitive fixture at Blackbaud since last September’s USL PRO Championship Game win against the Wilmington Hammerheads. 
Antigua finished in last place during the 2012 USL PRO season; however, Antigua defeated the Battery last year in the final of four meetings, and have produced some talented young players in their opening seasons. One of these players is recent Battery signee, Quinton Griffith, who played two years for the Barracudas and is a current member of the Antigua and Barbuda national team.
The Battery are 0-1-0 so far this season after a 4-1 loss in their USL PRO opener to rival squad, Richmond Kickers in a game played last Saturday night in Richmond. Richmond jumped out to a 2-0 early lead before veteran defender John Wilson pulled a goal back at the stroke of half time. Charleston’s thoughts of a comeback were denied by two unanswered second-half Richmond goals.
Antigua Three Players to Watch
Orlando Mitchum: Mitchum is a talented defender for the Barracudas with the ability to score goals and produce assists. Last year he had three goals and three assists for nine points for the Barracudas.
Randolph Burton: Burton is a strong midfielder who is going to be a scoring threat. Burton had three goals last season and also has 12 for his national squad, Antigua and Barbuda, over 28 appearances with the team.
Tamorley Thomas: Thomas provides the Barracuda with some solid veteran leadership as well as some quality play through the midfield. He had three goals last year and is not afraid to shoot the ball as he took a team high 30 shots in the 2012 season.
FIREWORKS and t-shirts compliments of SPARC
The first 500 fans through the gates on Saturday will receive a SPARC-designed Charleston Battery T-Shirt compliments of the presenting game sponsor, SPARC. Immediately following the game there will be a season opening FIREWORKS display. Tickets are still available starting at just $10; to purchase tickets, for directions or more information please visit www.charlestonbattery.com or call (843) 971-GOAL (4625).