After a 1-0 victory on the road to kick off the season, Republic FC returns home to welcome Charleston Battery to the River City. It’ll be the first time the South Carolina side visits Heart Health Park since the inaugural 2014 season – a fitting foe for the 10th season’s home opener.
2023 Outlook
Charleston had a dismal 2022 campaign, falling to 12th place in the Eastern Conference table. However, During the offseason they retooled heavily to become one of the East’s best clubs on paper. Throughout training camp, their squad appeared strong and confidence was high. Battery figures to resume battling for a playoff spot this season, and if their opening night performance is any indication of what’s to come, they could be a team.
Last Week’s Drama
The club’s opening match of the season against Phoenix Rising FC may have been one of the games of the week. All night, they put pressure on the Arizona side to the tune of 17 total shots, 7 on target and 12 from close range. They didn’t get the victory, settling for a draw after a Phoenix equalizer in the 74th minute, however the match showed what they are capable of. A 2.9 expected goals rating meant that they were the most dangerous team in the league on opening night.
Offseason Moves
A big offseason for the club included a few headlining moves. Among them was new manager Ben Piermann on the heels of a strong campaign at Memphis 901 FC, bringing one of the league’s most renowned coaches to one of its oldest clubs. After his hiring Piermann retained a collection of their top contributors from 2022, including Republic FC Academy product Fidel Barajas, before landing others by free agent signing. Trey Muse rejoined his former coach from Memphis between the sticks, and Deklan Wynne came over from Detroit City FC. After a strong finish to 2022 with Rio Grande Valley, Emilio Ycaza was added to pair with Augustine Williams – one of the club’s bright spots last season.
Head-to-Head
Sacramento and Charleston have only faced off twice all-time. The first was a 3-1 victory in August 2014 that saw Rodrigo Lopez net a first-half brace. Last year Republic FC visited South Carolina on the heels of the U.S. Open Cup semifinal and took three points in a 4-2 win that included scores from Emil Cuello, Matt LaGrassa, Luther Archimede, and Zeiko Lewis in his first match against his former club.
