Match Preview: Monterey Bay FC Travels to Face Charleston Battery
CHARLESTON, South Carolina (Friday, September 18, 2026) – Monterey Bay FC returns to the road this Saturday, September 19, for an interconference matchup against the Charleston Battery at Patriots Point Soccer Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT as the Crisp-and-Kelp look to earn a valuable result away from home during the final stretch of the USL Championship regular season.
Monterey Bay enters the contest following back-to-back 1-1 draws against Sacramento Republic FC and Phoenix Rising FC. Most recently, the Crisp-and-Kelp battled Phoenix to a point at Cardinale Stadium, with Ryuga Nakamura scoring a late equalizer in the 88th minute to level the match. Monterey Bay will now look to carry that resilience into Saturday’s road matchup.
Charleston returns to Patriots Point looking to continue its strong run through the Eastern Conference. The Battery enters the matchup having secured a place in the 2026 USL Championship Playoffs following a 1-0 victory over Monterey Bay. Camilo Sánchez provided the decisive goal in the 78th minute, while goalkeeper Daniel Kuzemka recorded a clean sheet in his first appearance since 2024.
Saturday’s matchup presents another important challenge for the Crisp-and-Kelp as Monterey Bay continues its push through the final weeks of the regular season. The Battery will look to use home-field advantage, while Monterey Bay will aim to remain organized defensively, create opportunities in attack and earn points on the road.
With the regular season entering its final stages, every result carries added importance. Monterey Bay will look to build on its recent ability to respond to adversity and produce a strong performance against one of the Eastern Conference’s top sides.
Head-to-Head
Saturday’s contest marks the second meeting between Monterey Bay FC and Charleston Battery during the 2026 USL Championship season. Charleston earned a 1-0 victory in the first meeting at Patriots Point, with Sánchez scoring the match-winning goal in the 78th minute.
The Crisp-and-Kelp will look to respond in the rematch and earn a positive result on the road against the Battery.
