In this episode of The Cannon Crue, Granit, Patrick, and Ryan break down the Charleston Battery’s gritty 2–1 away win against New Mexico United in a match full of chaos: rain delays, crowd chirping, refereeing madness, and some beautiful moments of football like Nate winding up New Mexico!

🎯 What’s Inside:

• Dos Santos opens the scoring and stirs the New Mexico faithful
• The ref everyone loves to hate—and why the guys want the USL to do better
• Tactical shifts: Kelly’s role on the wing, Ikaza’s man-of-the-match showing, and Rubio finally finishing
• VAR in USL? The Crue isn’t so sure
• Ref accountability and whether Sunday League refs are any better
• A preview of the Miami revenge match with bold scoreline predictions
• Tailgate logistics, taco truck tactics, and water disguised as water

🔥 Crue's MOTM: Emilo – bringing the energy and technical sharpness

📍 Next Match: vs Miami FC – Saturday at 7:30 PM, Patriots Point

🍻 Tailgate: look for Palmer (currently undefeated)

In this episode of Cannon Crüe, Granit and Ryan break down the Charleston Battery’s back-to-back clean sheets, analyze the impact of Joey, Smith, Nate, and Blackstock in defense, and explore midfield rotations that are shaping the team's identity.

The Crüe also shares tales from the Southern Darby (with some YMCA league flair), discusses the coaching mindset, and previews a crucial road matchup against Western Conference leaders New Mexico United.

Plus: an pub scouting report, a breakdown of Landry’s yellow card strategy, and wild humidity stats that somehow matter!

🎯 Topics Covered:

Birmingham and North Carolina match reviews

Joey’s leadership and defensive consistency

Blackstock’s emergence

Emilio's CAM role = GOAL!

Kelly’s role in midfield

Forward rotations and finishing struggles

Predictions and altitude banter ahead of New Mexico clash

Prediction Corner:

Granit: Battery win 2-0 (Goals from Juan David and Landry)

Ryan: Battery win 2-1 (Landry scores key goal)

“Joey’s a great example of being at the right place, right time, and working your ass off.”

“Eight yellow cards and two clean sheets — I’ll take it.”

“We can score from anywhere — we just gotta keep that up.”

“Humidity 110% in Charleston, 21% in Albuquerque. Let’s pack some lotion.”

Charleston Battery, USL Championship, Charleston Soccer Podcast, Cannon Crüe, Charleston Battery Podcast, Soccer Tactics, Battery vs Birmingham, Battery vs North Carolina FC, New Mexico United, USL Match Preview, Soccer Commentary, Charleston Battery Supporters, Blackstock, Joey, Ben Pirmann, Cal Jennings, Landry Soccer, Charleston SC Sports

Hey all! I'm trying to get this out with very spotty communications and on vaca!

Granit

Episode Breakdown – Charleston Battery vs. Phoenix Rising (4–1)

The Battery rise and Phoenix folds—again. In this week's episode of Cannon Crüe, Granit, Ryan, and Patrick break down Charleston’s dominant 4–1 win over Phoenix Rising. Featuring a surprise roast from 10-year-old Harper, love for Arturo’s breakout performance, Landry’s absolute banger, MD's opening goal, and big questions about lineup rotation, this episode is packed with post-match passion, smart analysis, and a few caffeinated dad jokes.

Special Guest: Harper (10 years old!)

She kicks off the show with some Phoenix-roasting jokes that'll have you cackling into your pint. ("Why don’t Phoenix Rising players like fireworks night?...")

Match Analysis:

• Arturo’s “I’m Him” performance finally arrives—Ben Pierman must be proud.
• MD Myers keeps scoring while Juan David Torres keeps assisting. Is there a better duo in USL?
• Landry’s long-range rocket might be the goal of the season.
• Defensive depth creates a welcome dilemma: Archer, Edwards, Graham, Joey—who starts?
• What do you do with Cal and Malloy on the bench and a midfield packed with talent?

Player Spotlights:

• Arturo Rodriguez: from inconsistent to midfield commander.
• Landry: Swiss army knife of the squad—midfield, defense, left wing, SportsCenter highlight machine.
• Joey: Biologist, future doctor, fan favorite.
• Jeremy Kelly: New signee with EFL experience and ties to Coach Pearman.

Bonus Banter:

• The Jaegermeister Cup: Does it matter? Should we care?
• Pitch conditions: Is Granit about to take over field maintenance?
• Christian’s clean sheet predictions.
• Baby’s first match (and Patrick’s caffeine blood level check-in).

This week on Cannon Crüe, Granit and Ryan hold down the fort while Patrick adjusts to life as a new dad. The duo recaps Charleston Battery’s strong showing against Hartford, dives deep into the frustrations of a sweltering draw in Miami, and previews the highly anticipated rematch with Phoenix Rising. Along the way, they discuss youth coaching on the beach, hydration strategies for the 2026 World Cup, swamp coolers, and the fine art of time wasting. Also: Pitbull owns a stadium?!

• Battery vs Hartford recap: dominant goals from Landry and MD Myers
• Miami analysis: defensive misstep, attacking frustration, and referee woes
• Beach training benefits & Central Virginia vs Coastal SC development
• Weather, altitude, and their effect on match readiness
• World Cup 2026: are teams ready for the American summer heat?
• Previewing the Phoenix Rising match: time to finally beat them
• Supporter section shoutouts, pub watch stories, and why you should visit the Regiment tailgate

This week, the Crüe breaks down the Charleston Battery’s gritty 1-1 draw against Loudoun United. From baby-watch updates and wedding festivities to pitch conditions and referee drama, no topic is off-limits. MD Myers bags another, the boys rage about bad camera work and corner flags on cones, and everyone tries to decode why we're second on the table.

Plus:

• Landry’s yellow card situation – was the sub the right call?
• Should he start vs. Hartford?
• Loudoun’s press: exhausting or brilliant?
• Is Abu Korra the one that got away?
• And of course... score predictions for the Battery’s trip to soggy Connecticut.

Key Talking Points:

• Missed chances and chaos before halftime
• J.D. Torres... or is it Juan David? Announcer beef returns
• Should Nate step into Landry’s boots?
• Why Loudoun’s press worked – and how the Battery handled it

• Patrick: 3-0 Battery win, MD Myers hat trick
• Ryan: 4-1 Battery, MD brace, Icaza goal
• Granit: 2-0 Battery, JD Torres with a brace

Next Match:

Charleston Battery @ Hartford Athletic

Saturday, June 14 | 🕖 7 PM ET

Forecast: 70% chance of rain, bring the rags for the cameramen.

The Battery came out firing... just not on target. In this episode of Cannon Crue, Granite, Patrick, and Ryan break down Charleston’s 1-0 loss to USL League One’s Greenville Triumph in the Jägermeister Cup. From dominant possession to fruitless finishing, the Crue unpack what went wrong, who didn’t show up (cough Rubio), and why a taco truck might’ve been the real MVP.

The Crue also looks ahead to a crucial away match against Loudoun United, breaking down tactics, players to watch (Aboukoura alert!), and why the “boot it” philosophy might just be the strategy we need.

• Greenville 1–0 Battery: breakdowns and wasted chances
• Christian's solid performance despite the loss
• Missing Juan David + frustration with Rubio
• Philosophical dive into “bootball” and xG studies
• Player spotlight: shoutouts to Edwards & Sims
• Upcoming Loudoun match preview: danger man Aboukoura, no clean sheets, and physical play
• Patrick’s baby countdown, weather talk, and Sergio Agüero’s streaming retirement comeback

1. Boot It: A Pragmatic Alternative to Build Up Play https://statsbomb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Lorenzo-Cascioli.pdf

By Cascioli et al.

A deep dive into whether bypassing buildup and punting it long can statistically improve scoring odds — and why teams like Charleston might benefit from a more direct style in certain situations.

2. Leaving Goals on the Pitch: Evaluating Decision Making in Soccer

https://arxiv.org/abs/2104.03252

By Maaike Van Roy, et al.

Why modern players may be over-prioritizing high-xG shots and neglecting low-percentage but high-reward options. Is Charleston guilty of playing it too safe in front of goal?

#CharlestonBattery #USLChampionship #CannonCrue #BootItFC #JaegermeisterCup #SoccerPodcast #GreenvilleTriumph #CharlestonSoccer #xGdebate #USLSoccer

Toby Sims has recently signed with the Greenville Triumph, marking a significant milestone in his professional soccer career. In this episode, we engage in an illuminating conversation with Toby, who shares his journey from playing collegiate soccer at Chowan University to competing at the professional level in England and now returning to the United States. We delve into the challenges and triumphs he experienced while transitioning between different leagues and countries, as well as his aspirations moving forward with the Triumph. The discussion also encompasses the importance of maintaining an open-minded approach in both soccer and life, emphasizing adaptability and resilience. Join us as we explore Toby's insights on the mental and physical demands of professional soccer, and his vision for his future in the sport.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Charleston Battery
• Toby Sims
• Chowan Chan University
• Pittsburgh
• Sheffield United
• Doncaster Rovers
• Harrogate
• USL League Two

This episode of the Cannon Crue podcast delves into the intricate journey of goalkeeper Christian Gardner, who shares insights into his formative years in soccer, his collegiate experiences at Boston College and Northwestern, and his transition to professional play. We express our gratitude to Craig for graciously allowing us access to Proof on King Street for this recording, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Chris Gardner for his invaluable contributions to our discussion. The episode further addresses the technical nuances of goalkeeping, emphasizing the importance of mental fortitude and adaptability amidst the challenges of the sport. Additionally, we acknowledge the unfortunate difficulties encountered by our camera crue during the interview, for which we offer our sincere apologies. Their performance has led to a restructuring of our filming team and he has been sacked.

Listeners are invited into the world of professional soccer through this engaging episode of the Cannon Crue podcast, featuring an enlightening conversation with Christian Garner, goalkeeper for the Charleston Battery. Garner shares his compelling journey from a small town in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to the professional soccer field, highlighting the various challenges he faced along the way. The discussion begins with Garner's early involvement in soccer, where he played for local clubs and participated in the Olympic Development Program, setting the stage for his future aspirations. He reflects on the limitations of opportunities in his hometown, prompting him to seek broader avenues for growth and development. Garner's relationship with his family, particularly his older brothers, plays a pivotal role in his story, as they provided both support and the competitive drive necessary for his development as an athlete.

Transitioning into his collegiate career, Garner recounts his time at the Brooks School, a prestigious institution known for its soccer program. He speaks candidly about the challenges he encountered, including the pressure of competing against highly skilled peers and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset amidst adversity. Garner's experience at Boston College further emphasizes the rigorous demands of collegiate athletics, as he navigated the complexities of balancing academics with sports. The podcast also explores the mental resilience required of goalkeepers, a position often characterized by solitude and high stakes. Garner reflects on the lessons learned from these experiences and how they have shaped his approach to the game.

As the episode progresses, the conversation touches upon Garner's transition to professional soccer with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and his eventual move to the Charleston Battery. He discusses the differences in the playing environment and the significance of teamwork and camaraderie in achieving collective goals. This episode encapsulates the essence of dedication, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of sports.

Chris also dishes up his thoughts on some of his team mates. I just say shame for those who are late for the team bus and who thing they are funny, but really are not. Shame.

From the Crue, thank you Chris!!

Takeaways:

• The importance of perseverance and self-belief is a recurring theme throughout Chris Gardner's journey in soccer.
• Chris emphasizes the significance of education alongside athletics, demonstrating a dual commitment to both pursuits.
• The challenges of transitioning from college soccer to professional leagues highlight the competitive nature of the sport.
• Experiences shared by Chris reveal how support from family and peers can influence an athlete's career trajectory.
• The necessity of adaptability and continuous improvement is critical for success as a goalkeeper and in life.
• Chris discusses the unique mental fortitude required to succeed as a goalkeeper, emphasizing the isolation and accountability of the position.

The latest installment of the Cannon Crue podcast delves into the Charleston Battery's recent match against Detroit, offering an in-depth analysis of the team's performance. Granit, Ryan, and Patrick provide a nuanced exploration of the match's key moments, notably the early goal conceded, which serves as a catalyst for an engaging discussion about defensive strategies and the psychological impact of such setbacks on players. The Crue emphasize the importance of maintaining composure and resilience in the face of adversity, highlighting how the team's swift response to the initial setback reflects their growth and determination.

As the conversation unfolds, the Crue dissect the contributions of individual players, particularly those who excelled in pivotal moments, including goal scorers and playmakers. They articulate their observations regarding the tactical adjustments made by the coaching staff that allowed the Battery to regain control of the match and secure a convincing victory. This analysis is complemented by personal anecdotes and insights from the hosts, creating a rich narrative that captures the essence of being an ardent supporter of the team.

The episode culminates in a broader reflection on the Charleston Battery's season thus far, with the Crue expressing optimism for the future as they discuss upcoming fixtures and the potential for continued success. The Cannon Crue podcast, through its sophisticated discourse and passionate delivery, not only informs listeners about the match but also fosters a sense of community among fans, reinforcing the collective spirit that drives the Charleston Battery forward.

Takeaways:

• The Charleston Battery exhibited remarkable resilience, rebounding from an early goal against them to secure a decisive victory.
• The team's consistent performance, marked by seven consecutive wins, showcases their developing synergy and tactical prowess on the field.
• Juan David's contributions have been crucial, as he currently leads the league in assists and remains a key player for the Battery's offense.
• Cal scores a brace.
• The camaraderie among the players and their ability to adapt to various match conditions have significantly contributed to their current success.
• The discussion around the upcoming match against Greenville Triumph highlights the team's determination to continue their winning streak at home.