2022 Outlook
The Charleston Battery missed out on the postseason for the first time since 2007 last year, breaking the club’s streak as the lone club to have reached the USL Championship Playoffs in every season since the league’s launch in 2011. The offseason that followed was one of the most active in the club’s history as former player, assistant and Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser departed after being part of the club since 1994, and former United States Men’s National Team forward Conor Casey was hired as the Battery’s new Head Coach.
Casey enters his first full-time head coaching position – he held the interim role at the Colorado Rapids in 2019 – with some holdovers from the 2021 campaign in key areas. Goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky has been a fan favorite since his arrival but will be looking to rebound from what was a below-par year by his prior standards, while Trinidad and Tobago international Leland Archer should provide an anchor in the center of defense for the Battery to build around.
Where Casey has needed to add has been in the attack. With playmaker Zeiko Lewis heading west to join Sacramento Republic FC in free agency, the Battery have brought in a proven striker at the Championship level in Augustine Williams and some interesting other pieces like Aidan Apodaca – who performed brightly at Reno 1868 FC in the past – as well as League One talent in Shak Adams and Andrew Booth. Casey is looking for fast, direct play, and he should have the pieces to pull that off. If he can, then Charleston could quickly return to playoff contention.
Notable Arrivals
Augustine Williams – Sierra Leone international will be expected to lead forward line in new campaign
Preston Kilwien – Central defender joins after success at Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Matteo Ritaccio – Liverpool FC U-23s loanee will be looking to make big impression in Charleston
Benji Ettienne – 18-year-old has made senior debut for Grenada, joins compatriot AJ Paterson at Battery
Notable Departures
Zeiko Lewis – Bermudan playmaker signed with Sacramento Republic FC as free agent
Robbie Crawford – Influential Scottish midfielder departed club as free agent
Angelo Kelly-Rosales – Battery’s minutes leader a season ago joined Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
Claudio Repetto – Transferred to Phoenix Rising FC after team-high nine goals in 2021
Two To Watch
Augustine Williams, Forward
Fresh off his selection by Sierra Leone for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, Augustine Williams makes a move to the East Coast for the first time in his career after signing with the Battery. A 2020 USL Championship All-League selection for the LA Galaxy II, William has recorded 37 goals in 130 appearances in the league since turning pro aged 18 years old with the Portland Timbers 2 in 2016. Now 24 years old, Williams will be looked at to provide a major attacking boost to a Charleston side that ranked in the middle of the pack offensively in the league last season as he links up with fellow new arrivals Aidan Apodaca and Andrew Booth and the returning Nicque Daley and Romario Piggott.
Leland Archer, Defender
A fixture in the Battery’s back line for the past four seasons, Leland Archer’s play has caught the attention of the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team after setting career highs in clearances (121), recoveries (104) and interceptions (37) a season ago. The challenge for the Battery a season ago, however, was its fallibility as the side conceded 60 goals, the most of any independent club in the Championship. Finding a way to tighten up at the back is maybe the biggest key to Charleston’s aim of returning to the postseason. Archer should have a major role to play in that.
Coach
Connor Casey (1st Season)
Former United States international Conor Casey takes the help after the departure of longtime Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser, and will look to usher in a new era of success for the Battery. Casey’s aim is to have his side play direct, attacking soccer and in players like Augustine Williams and Nicque Daley he has players that can fulfill that aim. As Charleston arrives at its 30th season, Casey’s appointment is a bold one for the historic club’s new direction.
Key Number
60The Battery’s 60 goals conceded in the 2021 regular season was the most the club had allowed in a campaign in the club’s 29-season history. Finding a way to return some defensive solidity would be a major step forward as Charleston seeks a return to the postseason.
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