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Battery seeks playoff revenge vs. rival Rhode Island
31 Oct
Summary
- Charleston Battery faces Rhode Island FC in playoff rematch.
- Rhode Island eliminated Charleston in the last two seasons.
- Battery boasts league-leading offense against Rhode Island's defense.
The Charleston Battery is set for a crucial USL Championship quarterfinal match against Rhode Island FC on October 30th. This playoff clash marks a third consecutive postseason meeting between the two teams, with Rhode Island having eliminated the Battery in each of the prior two seasons.
Last year, Rhode Island emerged victorious after a penalty shootout decided a scoreless tie. In 2024, Rhode Island further thwarted Charleston's championship aspirations by winning the Eastern Conference finals, 2-1. The Battery enters this year's contest with a significantly altered roster compared to previous matchups.
Charleston's coach, Ben Pirmann, acknowledges the past defeats but emphasizes the opportunity for a fresh start. The Battery led the Eastern Conference in regular-season scoring with 56 goals, featuring four players among the conference's top scorers. In contrast, Rhode Island boasts a formidable defense, topping the league with 17 tackles per match.
Recognizing the potential for another tight contest, possibly decided by fine margins or penalty kicks, the Battery has dedicated extra training to set-piece preparation. Captain Emilio Ycaza stressed the importance of focusing on the present game, as both teams have undergone substantial changes since their previous encounters.
