Preview: Charleston Battery Host North Carolina FC in Friendly Clash

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (Interstat) — The Charleston Battery will host in-state counterpart North Carolina FC in an international club friendly at Patriots Point on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.

The match, organized under the global Club Friendlies banner, serves as a preseason tune-up for both United Soccer League clubs. It marks a return to action for each side following the conclusion of their 2025 campaigns.

Charleston enters the contest unbeaten in its last known outing, having played to a 0-0 draw against Rhode Island FC on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. North Carolina FC looks to rebound from a 2-0 home defeat to Rhode Island on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025.

Statistical projections for the friendly present a conflicting outlook. The Interstat game simulator predicts a 2-2 draw. However, the same outlet’s ELO rating system gives the host Battery a 60.10 percent probability of securing a victory.

The game offers both teams a critical opportunity to assess rosters and build fitness ahead of their upcoming schedules. For Charleston, this friendly kicks off a busy stretch. The Battery will then host Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, Jan. 17, followed by a match against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Kickoff is set for Wednesday evening at Patriots Point Soccer Complex. The match is not part of any competitive league schedule, allowing managers flexibility in player selection and tactics.