Charleston Battery began the 2025 USL Championship campaign in dramatic style with a match that featured twists and turns, drama, and an ending that few saw coming. At Patriots Point at home, the team battled hard but fell 2-1 to Louisville City FC. And it wasn't just the scoreboard that was unpleasant: a red card, contentious calls, and a late push that came within inches of tying the game made it a frustrating night for those in the home stands.
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If there is one thing that nobody can question, it is the fact that Battery did not give up. Down a man, they fought all the way to the end and came inches away from earning at least a point. Unfortunately, their season-opening undefeated streak, which had been intact since 2021, was finally snapped.
Control, but no advantage on the scoreboard
Charleston Battery appeared determined to take charge of the game from the opening whistle. In the first half, with nearly 70% possession, they dictated the pace and tried to create opportunities, but Louisville City's defense held strong.
At the other end, the visitors were dangerous on the counter and forced goalkeeper Luis Zamudio to early work, making crucial saves within the first few minutes. In the 28 and 29 minutes, he was again called upon to cut out a cross and make a crucial save on an Emanuel Perez shot.
In spite of that, Battery's best chance of the first half fell to them. In the 39th minute, Juan David Torres went closest to scoring when he was denied by Louisville goalkeeper Damian Las with a big save. Just before halftime, Torres provided a cross into the box for Cal Jennings, who was well placed, but Las came in the way again to block the attempt.
The half-time was 0-0, with even stats, but Charleston looked the more comfortable side in possession.
Goal, red card, and a fight to the finish
If the first half had been a tactical game of chess, the second half was anything but. Just eight minutes after the restart, Louisville City finally breached when Ray Serrano cleaned up a rebound after Zamudio's initial save, 1-0.
But Charleston didn't quit. They kept pushing and almost leveled the score in the 59th minute, when Torres scored at the back post, but the goal was called back for a foul in the buildup.
Battery's persistence finally yielded results in the 63rd minute. Torres won a threatening free kick on the perimeter of the box after being fouled by Kyle Adams. He took the kick himself and curled it perfectly to the far post, out of the reach of Las. A sublime equalizer that energized the home crowd.
What seemed like a turning point, though, soon dissolved into calamity. Only seven minutes later, Arturo Rodriguez was given a straight red card in a decision that incited outrage on and off the field. Down to 10 men, Charleston fought to keep Louisville's pressure at bay, but at 76 minutes, Adrien Perez capitalized on the numerical advantage to net the game-winner.
Battery would not be denied, despite the setback. They continued to press, starving for another equalizer, but time was not on their side, and Louisville City clung on for the 2-1 victory.
Pirmann praises Battery's resolve in defeat
The loss was not the manner in which the home fans wished the season to start, especially with the contentious calls. There were, nonetheless, clear positives to be drawn from the match. Battery showed intensity, composure, and grit, aspects that will be necessary throughout the season.
It was also the first match for six debutant players, Zamudio, Langston Blackstock, Hossou Landry, Johnny Klein, Cal Jennings, and Douglas Martinez. It was just step one for a side that still has much to grow.
Head coach Ben Pirmann emphasized his pride in the team's effort, win or lose: "We're always proud of the players who wear the black and yellow jersey. The attitude was good, and our fans were great. That's something we can be proud of as a club. Our leadership did a great job with this event. It's just disappointing how it ended, because you play to win, and today we lost to a rival. There were some things that didn't go our way, but we have to take the positives and get ready for next week."
And next week is a fantastic chance for redemption. On March 15, Charleston welcomes Rhode Island FC in a rematch of last year's Eastern Conference Final. If there's ever a time to respond after a disappointing defeat, it's this one. Now it's on Battery to turn frustration into fuel and pursue their first win of the year.