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On Apr. 16 we asked our readers: "What is a Charleston Battery?"
On Apr. 17 we got an answer (sort of):
@ABauer_ATR No worries! It's sports, man. If we're not having fun with it, what's the point? Enjoyed reading the banter, actually.
— Charleston Battery (@Chas_Battery) April 17, 2015
On May 17, NYRB II will face off against the Charleston Battery again. The two teams drew 1-1 in Charleston, and will now play the first ever NYRB II game in Manhattan at Columbia's Baker Field complex.
We spoke to Carson Merk over at Dynamo Theory about how the Battery have grown since last month, and other things.
"Well this road trip has made for an interesting roster. Due to travel restrictions, Charleston is without six healthy players for their match with FC Montreal," Merk said.
"Unfortunately for you guys, all six players left home are expected to make the trip to New York. Other than that, I think a long road trip like this helps bring a team together. Nothing like traveling in close quarters!"
For Charleston, the team has added two new loanees from the Houston Dynamo in Michael Lisch and AJ Cochran. Additionally, Memo Rodriguez has appeared in all but one game for the team. Houston draft pick Oumar Ballo has been cut and is on trial with D.C. United.
Merk says that "the natural gelling" of the team has contributed to the 5-2-1 record, and " the play of Zach Prince has been big."
"With a great amount of depth on the club, players have stepped up when needed. Nine different players scoring this season for Charleston [helps]," Merk said.
"Maikel Chang has also not cooled off and continued his incredible passing display, which keeps the offense lively and attacking. He was nowhere near this effective last season, his first with the Battery, so I think before advancing to the next level, he needs to show that this is the real deal and sustain this level. But he has been must-see TV this season for Charleston."
Merk believes that Charleston is going to win 2-0, and we here at Once a Metro forgive him.
As for Merk, we would like to congratulate him on his recent move to Las Vegas, and wish him the best out west. Sadly, the move has temporarily cost us the beloved CarsonHawk:
Funny you should ask! I have not yet found a barber I'm fully comfortable with here in Las Vegas, so I actually just cut off my trademark mohawk to essentially grow it back from scratch till I find a barber to place in charge of mohawk maintenance. And how about this, it's been mild so far since my arrival with multiple days in the 70's! Don't worry though, it will be 110 before I know it!
NYRB II will host the Charleston Battery on May 17 at 7:00 pm at the Rocco B. Commisso Soccer Stadium in Columbia University's Baker Field complex. Follow Carson on Twitter.