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New Mexico United’s Michael Azira, far right, celebrates with teammates after scoring against Colorado Springs. (Roberto E. Rosales/Journal)
There may be something of a flashback in progress when New Mexico United hosts the Charleston Battery on Monday night.
Not only do Charleston and New Mexico sport the same primary uniform colors, black and yellow, but a significant number of United players and coaches have history with both USL Championship franchises.
NMU head coach Troy Lesesne both played and served as an assistant for the Battery. United assistant Zach Prince, midfielder Micheal Azira and goalkeeper Alex Tambakis all played for Charleston, the former two winning a league title there in 2012.
Battery drop home opener to Charlotte, 3-0 The Charleston Battery dropped their home opener on Friday losing to Charlotte, 3-0 (Source: Charleston Battery) By Charleston Battery | May 15, 2021 at 12:45 AM EDT - Updated May 15 at 6:53 PM
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Battery fell in their sold out home opener, 0-3, to Charlotte Independence. Nearly 2,000 fans were back in the stands at Patriots Point as the club opened up the stadium to 50% capacity. The Independence scored early and often for the first victory in their history visiting Charleston. Marcelo Palomino did the initial damage in the 12th minute, and he was followed up by an Irvin Parra brace (18th and 49th minute). Charleston had chances throughout the match, but Charlotte keeper Brandon Miller was there to make the necessary stops and keep the Battery at bay for the full 90 minutes.
Battery Secure a Point in 1-1 Draw with New York The Battery earned a 1-1 draw in their season opener vs New York Red Bulls II (Source: Charleston Battery) By Charleston Battery | May 8, 2021 at 1:40 AM EDT - Updated May 8 at 1:40 AM
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Battery opened the 2021 season Friday night securing a point on the road in a 1-1 draw against New York Red Bulls II (2). A hard-fought battle by both sides, the Battery came back in the second half after a 10th-minute goal by Jake LaCava put the hosts ahead early. Undeterred, Zeiko Lewis rose to the occasion against his former club with an equalizer in the 72nd minute, putting the Battery on level terms to then secure the draw.