Rhode Island FC vs Charleston Battery 2024

Charleston Battery

Strategy:

• Possession-based: Aimed for high possession (59% average during the regular season), trying to control the game through ball circulation.
• Transitional attacks: While prioritizing possession, they looked to capitalize on quick transitions when opportunities arose.
• Set-piece threats: Utilized set pieces effectively, with goals scored from free kicks throughout the game and season.
• High press: Employed a high press to disrupt Rhode Island's build-up play and force turnovers.
• Late-game adjustments: Switched to a three-back system in the second half to add attacking impetus.

Key Players:

• Aaron Malloy: Playmaker, scored a winning goal in the previous week's match (though injured early in this game).
• Arturo Rodriguez: Often played wide, contributing to attacks and creating chances.
• Nick Markanich: Played a number 10 role, aiming to create chances from central areas.
• Juan David Torres: Scored a crucial goal from a set piece, demonstrating his ability from distance.
• Adam Grinwis: Goalkeeper, made several key saves, especially in the second half.
• MD Myers: Combined with Markanich for a record-breaking goal-scoring partnership in the regular season, brought on as a sub.
• Emilio Icaza: Another attacking sub who added a different dimension.

Rhode Island FC

Strategy:

• Defensive compactness: Maintained a compact defensive shape, making it difficult for Charleston to penetrate.
• Exploiting spaces: Targeted spaces in Charleston's defense, particularly between the lines.
• Aerial threat: Used long throws and crosses to create aerial opportunities in the attacking third.
• Counter-attacks: Focused on utilizing counter-attacks when Charleston lost possession.
• Physicality: Employed a physical style of play to disrupt Charleston's rhythm, leading to numerous fouls.

Key Players:

• Noah Fuson: Golden Playmaker, provided many assists and created attacking chances from wide areas.
• Jay Jay Williams: Scored five goals in the playoffs, provided a major attacking threat.
• Albert Dikwa: Reigning MVP, scored 11 goals during the season, known for clever body use.
• Zach Herivaux: Scored the opening goal from a long throw, demonstrating the effectiveness of their set-piece strategy.
• Grant Stoneman: Provided defensive solidity, and contributed to attacks.
• Frank Nodarse: Strong defensive presence and impactful in his defensive duties.
• Clay Holstad: Contributed defensively and offensively, although received a yellow card.