CHARLESTON, S.C. – The 2017 Carolina Challenge Cup concludes on Saturday night at MUSC Health Stadium as the USL’s Charleston Battery look to complete an undefeated run at this year’s tournament when they face Atlanta United FC for the first time, and Columbus Crew SC aims at its second CCC title when it faces Seattle Sounders FC

Charleston Battery vs. Atlanta United FC
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET | Tickets: http://bit.ly/2l7o82p

The Battery recorded a second consecutive 1-1 draw on Wednesday night as they earned a point against Columbus Crew SC. Center back Forrest Lasso gave the Battery the lead in the first half, but an own goal – the second conceded by the Battery in the tournament – in the second half pulled Columbus level. The Battery had a handful of Atlanta players suit up for them for a second consecutive game, including Romario Williams, who led the Battery with 10 goals a season ago before being acquired by Atlanta this offseason in a trade with the Montreal Impact. Going up against their MLS partner, it may be interesting to note whether the same names are available on Saturday.

Atlanta, meanwhile, moved into second place in the tournament standings as a glut of early goals led to a 4-2 victory against Seattle Sounders FC in Wednesday night’s second game. Designated Player Josef Martinez scored twice, while Miguel Almiron and Hector Villalba also found the net to give United its first win of the tournament. Atlanta will know whether it can claim the title when it  kicks off on Saturday with Columbus – which sits a point ahead in the standings – going up against Seattle in the opening game of the day.

Player to Watch: Maikel Chang, Charleston Battery
The Battery’s attacking midfielder finished second on the team in minutes played a season ago, and had six goals and six assists in his best season for the club so far. Chang’s creativity, and ability to create space for others, should get a good test from Atlanta’s back line – which could include U.S. international Greg Garza and veteran center back Michael Parkhurst – as Charleston looks to round out what has been a successful tournament so far with another good performance.

Columbus Crew SC vs. Seattle Sounders FC
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET | Tickets: http://bit.ly/2l7o82p

Columbus can claim the Carolina Challenge Cup for a second time – and the first since the tournament’s inaugural playing in 2004 – should it take victory against a Seattle side that should see a return to full strength after Wednesday night’s loss to Atlanta. Crew SC’s victory in its opening game against Atlanta – which saw Federico Higuain notch both goals in a 2-1 win – along with its draw against hosts Charleston on Wednesday night leave it a point ahead of Atlanta going into the final match day.

Seattle is still looking for its first win of the tournament after falling to Atlanta in midweek as it started a younger lineup that conceded twice in the opening three minutes on the way to a 4-2 defeat. Henry Wingo and Will Bruin scored in the second half for the Sounders, but the comeback effort came up short. With more of the club’s starters likely to be in action on Saturday, the Sounders could open up a chance for either Atlanta or hosts Charleston to grab the title should they earn victory against Crew SC.

Player to Watch: Lalas Abubakar, Columbus Crew SC
The 2016 PDL Defender of the Year with the Michigan Bucks, whom he helped claim the 2016 PDL Championship, Abubakar is entering his first professional season with Crew SC after being taken with the No. 5 pick of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. After getting the start in the CCC opener against Atlanta, Abubakar played the second half of Wednesday night’s game with the Battery. Should he see action on Saturday, it will provide one final test, and a final chance to make a case for regular early-season minutes for Crew SC in MLS starting next weekend.