The first Friday night action of the 2022 USL Championship season kicks off the league’s slate in the month of April as the Charleston Battery return home to play host to Las Vegas Lights FC in the first meeting between the two clubs.

Here’s a look ahead to the opening game of a busy weekend slate.

Charleston Battery vs. Las Vegas Lights FC

Venue: Patriots Point
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+ / SiriusXM FC
538.com Predictor: CHS 48%, LV 27%, Draw 25%

The Lowdown: The Charleston Battery will be aiming to regain their form as they return home to host a Las Vegas Lights FC side that also suffered defeat in its most recent outing last weekend. After taking victory in its home opener to start the season on March 12, the Battery suffered back-to-back defeats on the road since, including a 4-1 loss to Atlanta United 2 that saw the side let a halftime lead slip away following a red card late in the first half to fullback Matt Sheldon. The veteran will be unavailable for the hosts as he serves a one-game suspensions, and Charleston will need to be solid defensively against a Lights FC side that has proven a surprise package so far this campaign. Led by Danny Trejo and Cal Jennings, Las Vegas is tied for the league-lead with seven goals in four outings this season, and the visitors will be aiming to get back on track after being held off the board in a 1-0 defeat last time out against Memphis 901 FC last Saturday night at Cashman Field.

Spotlight Players
Charleston Battery – Leland Archer: The Trinidad and Tobago international is set to return from international duty on Saturday and could be key to holding Lights FC’s attack in check.

Las Vegas Lights FC – Danny Crisostomo: The California native is tied for the team-high with five key passes this season and has been solid overall this year with an 85.5 percent passing accuracy rate and 11 tackles won.