**Charleston's got the home juice and better form right now** — Battery are clicking (3W in their last 5) while Rhode Island are wobbling between wins and losses. This should be a proper scrap at Patriots Point. ⚽

Charleston's defense has looked solid lately, but Rhode Island's 3-0 demolition of Jacksonville shows they can turn it on when it matters. The edge here leans Battery, but don't sleep on the visitors' upside.

Key storylines:

- **Charleston Battery's attacking depth** — **M. Foster**, **L. Kissiedou**, and **D. Martínez** have chemistry from recent wins; Rhode Island need to stay compact in transition
- **Rhode Island's inconsistency** — Two losses in their last five means they can't afford another slow start away from home
- **Midfield battle** — **J. Kelly** anchoring Battery's press vs **H. Bacharach** and **A. Shapiro-Thompson** trying to control tempo for the visitors

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
- **Rhode Island FC**: Koke, A. Sanchez, F. Nodarse, G. D. Stoneman, N. Scardina, A. Shapiro-Thompson, H. Bacharach, L. Afonso, A. Rodríguez, J. Kwizera, S. Kornzeniowski

Prediction:

**Charleston 2–1 Rhode Island**. Home form and momentum give Battery a slight favorite lean. 🎯