Copyright Charleston Post and Courier
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Charleston Battery took their first loss against a Western Conference foe this season, dropping a 1-0 decision to Sacramento Republic FC on Wednesday at Heart Health Park. After a scoreless first half, Sacramento’s goal just minutes into the second half proved to be the difference. The Battery (18-6-5, 59 points) now have one more regular season match remaining during the week before the USL Championship Playoffs commence at Patriots Point in Mount Pleasant on Nov. 2. The match kicked off on Wednesday after being previously scheduled for Oct. 5, being forced to move back due to Sacramento’s participation in the USL Jägermeister Cup final. “It was a tough situation, going across the country for a midweek game with seven or eight changes. But, I thought the boys played hard and played together,” Battery coach Ben Pirmann said. “Individually, we didn’t have our best game, and with all the changes, we just weren’t as sharp, connected, or in rhythm as we normally are. “A lot of that is credit to Sacramento. They're very good defensively, especially at home. They’re organized, compact, and don’t give up much space, so there wasn’t much to it.” Charleston’s lineup featured ample rotation, with seven players slotting into the starting lineup: Christian Garner, Nathan Dossantos, Graham Smith, Michael Edwards, Viggo Ortiz, Rubio Rubín and Wesley Leggett. Both teams applied equal pressure going forward in the early stages of the contest. Charleston nearly found the opener in the 17th minute when Ortiz connected with Douglas Martínez on a corner kick, but Martínez’s glancing header at the near post was saved by goalkeeper Danny Vitiello. The attacking chances began to slow in the latter stages of the first half. Sacramento went roughly 35 minutes without another shot, and did not have a shot on target through the 45th minute. Sacramento registered a pair of close shots in stoppage time, a blocked attempt by Rodrigo Lopez and a header off target by Khori Bennett, but the game went into the break tied at 0-0. Charleston held about 61 percent possession in the first half. Play resumed in the second half with all still to play for. Sacramento managed to score the opener in the 50th minute via Khori Bennett, taking a 1-0 lead. After going down, the Battery continued to apply pressure in search of an equalizer. Cal Jennings, Houssou Landry, Aaron Molloy and Rubín all recorded shots, but none were on target. “We pushed in the final 30 minutes, created some good attacks and actions, and probably needed to finish one off,” Pirmann said. “We didn’t, so fair play to them. Danny Vitiello is a good goalkeeper.” Charleston’s best chance of the second half came off an advance in the 90th minute when Arturo Rodriguez led an attack down the right flank. Rodriguez sent a low cross to Rubín, and Rubín beat two defenders for a first-time shot. However, the attempt was saved. A noteworthy moment occurred in the 91st minute when Diego Rodriguez entered the match off the bench, officially making his USL Championship debut. It marked the 19-year-old USL Academy signing’s second career professional appearance in 2025. “It was important for more guys to get reps, especially with crucial games coming up, as every person in the locker room is important to us lifting a trophy come Nov. 22,” Battery forward Rubio Rubín said. “And going into the playoffs, we know what we need to do to win a championship, we just have to believe in our qualities, and good things will come. I’m also happy for Viggo and Diego taking the next step in their professional careers. We are looking forward to finishing off the season with a win on Saturday. Despite the Battery’s late efforts for an equalizer, Sacramento held on to secure the 1-0 win. Charleston returns home to face Birmingham Legion FC on Oct. 25 in the regular-season finale at Patriots Point. Tickets for the 5 p.m. match are on sale via seatgeek.com, the club’s exclusive digital ticketing provider.
