**Charleston's home-field momentum clashes with Monterey's draw-heavy grind** — the Battery are rolling at Patriots Point, while the Visitors can't seem to find a win. 🔋

Charleston have won 2 of their last 5 and beat Monterey in their head-to-head, but the Hosts need to tighten up defensively after a shaky 2-2 draw at Birmingham. Monterey, meanwhile, are stuck in a rut with three draws in their last five; they'll test Charleston's resolve but lack the killer instinct to capitalize on chances.

Key storylines:

- **M. Berry and M. Foster** anchoring Charleston's attack at home, where they've proven dangerous
- **S. Lletget and F. Barajas** tasked with unlocking a stubborn Battery midfield led by **J. Kelly**
- Monterey's inability to convert draws into wins — a recurring problem that Charleston will look to punish 📉

Expected lineups:

- **Charleston Battery**: L. Zamudio, N. Messer, J. Akpunonu, G. Smith, L. Blackstock, J. Kelly, E. Ycaza, L. Kissiedou, D. Martínez, M. Foster, M. Berry
- **Monterey Bay FC**: J. Jackson, S. Ritchie, Z. Farnsworth, N. Gordon, J. Garcia, R. Nakamura, N. Ross, F. Barajas, S. Lletget, O. Glasgow, I. Paul

Prediction:

**Charleston Battery 2–1 Monterey Bay FC**

Home edge and recent form give the Battery a slight edge here. Monterey will scrape together chances but won't have enough bite.