CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery and Birmingham Legion FC will meet for the first time in the postseason as they each look to build on big attacking displays this Saturday night in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs. Kickoff at Patriots Point is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Here’s what you need to know.

How They Got Here

Charleston Battery (17-9-8, 59pts) – The Battery put together their most dominant postseason display in the USL Championship era in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, taking a 5-0 victory against Indy Eleven in a game that saw five different players find the net, and four players record an assist. Arturo Rodriguez recorded one goal and two assists, while Fidel Barajas, Augustine Williams and Nick Markanich had one of each, as the Battery became only the second team to have five different player score in a USL Championship Playoffs contest after Real Monarchs SLC in 2019. The 2012 title winner, the Battery are looking to reach the final four in the postseason for the first time since 2013.

Birmingham Legion FC (14-16-4, 46pts) – Legion FC swept into the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the second time in club history with a 3-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies that saw Tabort Etaka Preston score his first goal for the club and notch an assist to lead the way. Diba Nwegbo and Prosper Kasim also found the net for the No. 7 seed at Al Lang Stadium as Birmingham took their third win in the past four games. The victory was Legion FC’s first road postseason win since it defeated North Carolina FC in its inaugural campaign, and the side will now try to maintain its momentum as it seeks a first trip to the Eastern Conference Final.

All-Time Series

The all-time series between the sides has seen each team win three times, with one draw. Charleston won both meetings between the clubs this season, however, including a 1-0 win at Patriots Point on the final weekend of the regular season.

Opta Says

10 – The Charleston Battery have scored 10 goals inside the opening 15 minutes of games this season, tied for second-most in the league, and have scored 10 goals from corner kicks, second in the league.

2 – Birmingham Legion FC has scored only two goals in the opening 15 minutes of games this season, tied for the fewest in the league.

Players to Watch

Charleston Battery – Augustine Williams: The Sierra Leone forward has scored three goals in the past four games to move to 14 goals in the campaign overall and could prove a handful for Legion FC’s back line.

Birmingham Legion FC – Tabort Etaka Preston: The Cameroonian leads the Championship with 77 completed dribbles this season and his likely matchup with Mark Segbers should be one to watch on the right flank.

Discipline Report

Charleston Battery – No suspensions

Birmingham Legion FC – No suspensions