Charleston Battery hosts Hartford Athletic in a win-or-go-home Eastern Conference semifinal after both clubs advanced through the opening round. Charleston is seeking a third conference-final appearance in four years; Hartford is aiming to reach the round for the first time.

By the Numbers
  • Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
  • Charleston leads the all-time series, 10-4-2.
  • Regular-season meetings: Hartford won 2-1 in September; the teams drew 1-1 in October.
  • Hartford goalkeeper Antony Siaha recorded 104 saves, a 76.5% save rate and 9 shutouts.
  • Charleston’s Colton Swan, 19, scored 9 regular-season goals and 13 across all competitions.
Yes, But

Charleston has home-field advantage and the league’s best home record, but Hartford arrives with momentum after winning on the road against Detroit. The Battery also went winless in this season’s series with Hartford, while the visitors bring a standout goalkeeper and a strong defense.

State of Play
  • Charleston advanced by beating Rhode Island FC 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw; Miguel Berry scored in the 94th minute, and goalkeeper John Berner made the decisive save.
  • Hartford beat Detroit City FC 2-1, with Sadat Anaku scoring the winner in the 75th minute.
  • Saturday’s single-elimination winner advances to the Eastern Conference Final, scheduled for Nov. 13-15.
  • A capacity crowd is expected at Patriots Point, where Charleston now has hosting priority for the rest of the playoffs.
What's Next

The winner will face Louisville City FC or Miami FC in the conference final. The match streams on ESPN+ in the U.S. and on the USL Championship’s YouTube channel internationally.

Bottom Line

Charleston has the home crowd and playoff hosting advantage, but its season-long inability to beat Hartford makes this a tougher test than the rankings suggest.