Match Preview – Charleston Battery vs. Loudoun United FC
The Red-And-White close out the regular season on the road against Charleston Battery this Saturday, October 26th at 6:00 PM EST.
The Match-Up
Loudoun United FC sits in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 11-13-9, while Charleston sits in 2nd place in the East with a record of 17-6-10. Loudoun has struggled on the road this season, posting a record of just 3-7-6. On the other side, Charleston has one of the best home records in the league at 12-1-3. The first meeting between the two clubs this season was a 2-1 Charleston win at Segra Field in late July. Loudoun needs a win in Charleston, plus additional help, to make the playoffs.
Loudoun look to bounce back following a 2-0 home loss at Segra Field last weekend to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Loudoun has 42 points, three points below the playoff line. Charleston come into Saturday’s matchup off a 1-1 draw against Rhode Island. While Charleston has already clinched the two-seed in the Eastern Conference and a playoff berth, Loudoun looks to break their three-game scoring drought and secure a crucial three points to sneak into the final playoff spot in the East.
Charleston’s Nicholas Markanich leads the USL Championship in goals this season with 28. On the other side of the ball, Loudoun’s Zach Ryan leads the team with 10 goals this season. Loudoun’s goalkeeper Hugo Fauroux has 90 saves and 10 clean sheets on the season, while Charleston’s Adam Grinwis has 61 saves made and nine clean sheets thus far.
Thoughts from the Team
Head Coach Ryan Martin on facing Charleston on Saturday:
“We are looking forward to a good test. They are one of the top teams in the league for a reason. For us, we have got to be sharper, more clinical, and more precise. We know where we have struggled, so now it’s about solving that problem and trying to improve.”
Abdellatif Aboukoura on the team’s mindset heading into Saturday:
“We have to go down to South Carolina and do what we do best. We are creating chances, just need to get them in the back of the net.”
Loudoun United FC Team News
Loudoun can secure the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with a win against Charleston AND a North Carolina FC loss to Las Vegas AND a Hartford draw/loss to Orange County SC.
How Can I Follow the Match
Saturday’s match can be found on ESPN+ at 6:00 PM
Follow Loudoun United FC
To keep up with news and information on the team, follow @loudoununitedfc on X and Instagram.