Battery refocuses on league

A 4-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo last Tuesday eliminated the Battery from the U.S. Open Cup, and was the team's most lopsided defeat in almost a year.

But as far as Charleston coach Mike Anhaeuser is concerned, it's like it never happened.

"To put it simply, it's over and it's done," Anhaeuser said Friday as the Battery prepared to return to league play against the Carolina RailHawks tonight at Blackbaud Stadium. "With a Cup game, the winner moves on and it doesn't matter what the score was. Now, we're back to league play and that's our focus, 100 percent."

The Battery remains in first place in the USL First Division with an 8-2-6 mark and 30 points, and has won two league matches in a row, the latest a 1-0 victory at Montreal on July 5.

The loss to the Dynamo, the top team in Major League Soccer, was the Battery's most lopsided since a 4-0 loss at league foe Minnesota on Sept. 13, 2008, a stretch covering 19 matches.

But against USL1 competition this season, the Battery is 4-0-3 at home, and has allowed just six goals in 16 matches. Charleston bested the RailHawks, 2-1, on the road on May 9.

"That was a difficult match, but we played very well," Anhaeuser said. "But they have a very strong team with a lot of talent and experience. We know it will be a battle."

The RailHawks are 7-4-3 and in fourth place with 24 points.

Carolina just signed forward

Gregory Richardson, the first player from Guyana to play in MLS. Carolina's roster also includes former Battery players Gavin Glinton and Aaron King.

The Battery, meanwhile, will be without defender John Wilson, who injured a foot against Houston, midfielder Ian Fuller (hamstring) and forward Tom Heinemann.

Forward Randi Patterson has scored five of the Battery's last nine goals, and forward Dan Antoniuk scored the goal that beat Montreal in front of 11,581 last Sunday. Keeper Dusty Hudock had seven saves in that game and leads the USL with 10 shutouts. He was named USL First Division player of the week.

--Prior to the Battery's match, Blackbaud Stadium will host the third annual Clash of the Carolinas, pitting top players from North and South Carolina.

The girls match is set for 3 p.m., followed by the boys at 5 p.m.

--Tonight is Family Night with the Battery, and fans can purchase four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for just $30. A fireworks display will follow the match.

TODAY'S MATCH

Who: Carolina RailHawks at Charleston Battery

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Blackbaud Stadium

Tickets: $10-$18; 971-GOAL