Toronto FC II hit the road to take on the Eastern Conference-leading Charleston Battery on Saturday. To get you set here is everything you need to know about the Battery.
2017 Season
The Battery have had a great start to the 2017 season. They currently sit in first place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 8-2-4. The Battery have a conference high +11 goal difference.
Current Form:
DWDLW
Draw at FC Cincinnati (2-2)
Win vs. Richmond (1-0)
Draw vs. Louisville City (4-4)
Loss vs. NYRB II (2-1)
Win at Bethlehem Steel (1-0)
Last time we met:
This will be the first meeting between these two teams this season. All time Toronto FC II are 1-3-0 against the Battery. The lone win for the Reds came in July of 2015 when Skylar Thomas headed home an 89th minute winner to steal the three points for the Reds.
Key Player: Romario Williams
The USL’s second leading scorer is in his second season with Battery on loan from Atlanta United. The Jamaican International has bagged 11 goals in just 13 appearances for the Battery this season. The former 3rd overall MLS SuperDraft pick made two appearances for the Impact before being traded to Atlanta this offseason. Williams has made three appearances for the Reggae Boyz, the most recent of which came in a friendly in February against Honduras.
Unsung Hero: Justin Portillo
The veteran midfielder is in his fourth season with the Battery. The former Coastal Carolina Chanticleer has started every game for the Battery this season and leads the team with 685 passes. The native of New Orleans has created 27 chances this year, good for 5th best in the USL. The ball consistently flows through Portillo in the Battery’s attack.
Canadian Content
The lone Canadian on the Battery’s roster should be a familiar name for TFC II fans. Skylar Thomas is in his first season with the Battery after spending the last two seasons as a Young Red. Thomas has been used sparingly this season, making eight appearances overall but only three starts. Thomas made 47 appearances, scoring four goals.
Projected Lineup
The Battery have trotted out in a 4-4-1-1 formation this season. Williams plays up top with a central forward playing in behind. The midfield typically lines up as a flat four with Portillo lining up on the right of centre.
You can catch the Young Reds take on the Battery at 7:00 PM this Saturday. As always the live stream is available right here on TFC2.ca