Charleston Battery Head to Detroit Riding USL’s Hottest Streak

There’s no team hotter in American soccer right now than the Charleston Battery. As reported by USLSoccer.com, the USL Championship leaders have won six straight league matches, scoring 18 goals during the streak, and will put their momentum to the test this Saturday against Detroit City FC at Keyworth Stadium.

Leading the Battery’s charge is Cal Jennings. Signed late in preseason after star forward Nick Markanich moved to Spain’s CD Castellón, the 28-year-old striker is on an eight-game goal contribution streak, tallying nine goals and two assists. One more and Jennings ties the league record for consecutive matches with a goal involvement, held by Solomon Asanté and Leo Fernandes.

Charleston’s current run mirrors a similar streak from last season and has propelled them to the top of the Player’s Shield standings with a +12 goal differential since Matchday 3. But this week’s challenge is real: Detroit City are on a nine-game unbeaten run in regular season play, and their home defense has been among the stingiest in the league, allowing just 14 goals in 20 games since 2024.

DCFC also have firepower in Darren Smith, who has seven goals and averages a strike every 102.3 minutes.

It’s the type of matchup that could define both clubs’ trajectories. With one of the league’s rowdiest atmospheres expected at Keyworth, Saturday’s clash promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a record-setting performance.