Carson's Charleston Charge: Well Rested Battery Host Saint Louis FC

The Week That Was

During a late season bye week, most of the Battery boys enjoyed their free time by healing their bodies with rest and relaxation. It might be just what the stalled out Battery attack needs to get the ball going into the net again.

The Savage

While other players were relaxing their minds and their bodies, one player made a very big decision on his weekend off. Forward Austin Savage, a Charleston native, decided this will be his final season of professional soccer. Austin had a great exhibition campaign for the Battery, scoring some clutch goals for Charleston. However during the season, he was not afforded much of an opportunity to showcase those skills, stuck behind the immensely talented front line rotation of Dane Kelly, Heviel Cordoves and Ricky Garbanzo. Though his playing time was not extensive, Savage was a fan favorite in every way. To all of my Houston Dynamo fans, Savage scored the lone goal in the Battery vs. Dynamo exhibition match. Also currently dealing with a severe ankle injury, Savage is hoping to help in any way he can to go out as a USL Champion. I can't overstate how much of a pleasure it was dealing with Austin throughout this season. Incredibly passionate about the game, diversely talented, and just a truly good person; I am thankful I had the pleasure of getting to know AS26 this year and would like to wish him great success at whatever venture he decides to conquer next.

The Good Guys: Charleston Battery (9-4-8)

As their bodies got some additional rest, bumps and bruises were able to get some healing done. Heviel Cordoves is beginning to get back into his usual playing condition and will be very crucial to a potential Battery playoff run. Charleston will be without Ricky Garbanzo for the Saint Louis match due to yellow card accumulation after the scuffle during the FC Montreal match. It may only take a single goal to cross the goal line to get their mojo back and hopefully goals come early and often to the Battery at MUSC Health Stadium this Saturday.

The Bad Guys: Saint Louis FC (5-9-7)

The USL affiliate of the MLS's Chicago Fire, Saint Louis FC is an odd example of away vs home effectiveness. Unlike most sports teams, Saint Louis has struggled more from home this year than they have on the road. With a winning road record, it will be a strong test for the Battery. Saint Louis has their own talented 24 year old Jamaican forward with Jermie Lynch. It will be interesting to see which of the Jamaican strikers can lead their team to a key late season victory.

The Dirty Details

8/15 7:30 PM MUSC Health Stadium

Watch it live HERE.