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Opposition Report: Charleston - 7/26

By Anthony Picardi, 07/24/17, 3:45PM EDT

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The Charleston Battery (10-4-5) lead the Eastern Conference this season, holding a three-point advantage over second place and totaling the best goal differential (+15) in the conference. The Riverhounds (5-7-7) defeated the Battery in their first meeting this season, 2-1, and will look to add another victory as the clubs clash at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Highmark Stadium.

The Season so far

Charleston started the season on a hot stretch, winning four of its first five games. The only loss the Battery suffered during this stretch was to the Hounds in the aforementioned contest on April 8. After this defeat, the Battery would take at least one point in their next seven matches.

The Battery hit their first rough patch of the season this July, holding a 1-2-1 record in the month thus far. Playing into Charleston’s struggles has been the absence of its leading scorer Romario Williams. Currently playing for the Jamaican National Team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, Williams has missed the club’s last three matches, a timeframe that Charleston has scored just one goal. The striker will be out once again this Wednesday.

Player to watch

Charleston will rely more heavily on Justin Portillo in the wake of Williams’ national team duty. The midfielder is tied for the team lead with five assists and has added five goals on the season. Portillo scored Charleston’s most recent goal on a penalty kick against Louisville City FC on July 8.

The New Orleans native has placed consistent pressure on opposing defenses this year, leading the Battery with 37 chances created. Without the ball, Portillo has still produced. He is tied for the Charleston lead with 36 interceptions.

+/-

Strengths

  • Goalkeeping duo: Both Alex Tambakis and Odisnel Cooper have performed well this year, recording a 1.17 and a 1.15 goals allowed average, respectively. The pair has posted a total of seven clean sheets on the season.
  • Offensive pressure: In the Eastern Conference, Charleston ranks No. 1 in goals (37), No. 3 in shots (263) and No. 2 in conversion rate (19 percent).

Weaknesses

  • Scoring minus Williams: Without its leading scorer, Charleston has not scored a goal in its past two matches – the only occasions this season.
  • Recent road woes: Charleston has recorded a 1-3-1 record in its past five road games.