The Charleston Battery will welcome Minnesota United FC and fellow MLS clubs Atlanta United and Columbus Crew SC to MUSC Health Stadium this coming February for the 2018 Carolina Challenge Cup (CCC).
This year’s CCC will be the 14th staging of the tournament. The Charleston Battery first held CCC in 2004, becoming one of the first lower-division American soccer clubs to host multiple MLS teams for preseason. The tournament has offered soccer fans in South Carolina the opportunity to see international superstars play in Charleston for more than a decade.
“Preseason is always a critical time to set the tone and build the foundation for the regular season,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “This will be an exciting tournament down in Charleston -- which is about a week before the season starts -- and we will get to test ourselves against some really good competition. And as always, preseason is a great opportunity for the group to get to know each other and develop chemistry."
The 2018 Challenge Cup will feature two of MLS’ newest franchises and one of its oldest. The Battery will welcome back Atlanta United and reigning CCC champions, Columbus Crew SC, for the second consecutive year, while Minnesota United will make its first ever trip to Charleston
“We’re really excited about this year’s Challenge Cup,” said Andrew Bell, Charleston Battery President. “We’ve put together a great tournament that will feature some of the best teams and players in Major League Soccer. We’re looking forward to providing another unforgettable experience for soccer fans here in Charleston.”
With a 5,100 seat capacity at MUSC Health Stadium, CCC offers soccer fans unmatchable interaction with some of Major League Soccer’s best. The 2018 Challenge Cup will showcase MLS stars including Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United), Josef Martínez (Atlanta United), Justin Meram (Columbus Crew SC), and Kevin Molino (Minnesota United).
The four participating teams will play in a round-robin tournament with doubleheaders on February 17, 21 and 24. The tentative match schedule is:
Saturday, February 17
Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew SC (4:00 p.m. CT)
Charleston Battery vs. Minnesota United (6:30 p.m. CT)
Wednesday, February 21
Charleston Battery vs. Columbus Crew SC (4:00 p.m. CT)
Atlanta United vs. Minnesota United (6:30 p.m. CT)
Saturday, February 24
Columbus Crew SC vs. Minnesota United (4:00 p.m. CT)
Charleston Battery vs. Atlanta United (6:30 p.m. CT)
Tickets for the 2018 CCC will be available for purchase beginning on Friday, October 20. Special rates for groups of 15 or more are available. To purchase tickets on October 20th, visit charlestonbattery.com or call 843.971.4625.
For more information on the 2018 Carolina Challenge Cup, visit charlestonbattery.com.
