MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – For the first time in club history, sixth-seeded Hartford Athletic is set to play in the United Soccer League Championship playoffs’ Eastern Conference semifinal round, taking place on Saturday, November 7th, at second-seeded Charleston Battery. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
HARTFORD ATHLETIC VS. CHARLESTON BATTERY
WHEN: Saturday, November 7th, 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Patriots Point, Mount Pleasant, SC
HOW TO WATCH: The WAX, WFSB.com, ESPN+
NEW EXPECTATIONS
After a slow start to the 2026 campaign—going scoreless in seven of nine matches between April and May—Hartford Athletic has soared to new heights as of late, making their second straight appearances in the Prinx Tires USL Cup Final and the USL Championship playoffs, respectively. Not only that, but the club earned its first-ever postseason win over Detroit City FC last Friday night, largely thanks to a brace from Sadat Anaku and a seven-save performance in goal from Antony Siaha. The club has quickly shifted its mentality from being an Eastern Conference stopgap to becoming a true contender—something that will carry over into next season with many key players re-ups for 2027.
SCOUTING REPORT
Charleston Battery advanced to the conference semifinal round for the first time since 2024, outlasting Rhode Island FC on penalty kicks in the opening round. Charleston was a powerhouse in the East during the regular season, securing 16 wins and scoring 57 goals—both ranking as the second-most in their respective categories across the USL Championship. Charleston features one of the league’s most dangerous offenses, led by Colton Swan, Maalique Foster, and Miguel Berry, all of whom finished the regular season with nine goals apiece.
BEFORE THE HUDDLE
“This is another huge opportunity for growth as a club against a perennial favorite and a long-established elite club in the USL Championship,” said Head Coach Brendan Burke. “We couldn’t be happier to have the chance, but we also enter the game with new expectations for ourselves both collectively and as individuals.”
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