The Battery (9-5-4) enter the match looking to reclaim sole possession of first place after a road loss to the defending champion Seattle Sounders. Meanwhile, the Silverbacks (5-5-6) will look to get back on track after a tough loss at the hands of the Miami FC Blues this past Sunday.

(Photo Caption: Atlanta’s Ansu Toure has provided speed on the flanks and leads the team in shots taken with 35. Photo by Ron Holt).

Charleston is led by scoring machine Randi Patterson, who has already netted eight goals on the year, including one in the previous matchup between the teams. The Battery topped Atlanta 0-2 earlier in the season. Atlanta will also have to contend with midfielder Lazo Alavanja, who has shown the ability to shoot and score from long-range distances.

Atlanta’s offense will look to regain form after suffering a shutout for the just the fourth time all season against a stingy Miami team. The Silverbacks rank second in the league with 1.38 goals scored per game.

Three of the top seven goal scorers in the league will be on display Friday night in Charleston's Patterson, as well as Atlanta’s Macoumba Kandji and Jason McLaughlin.

The Silverback defense will look to recover after allowing eight goals in the last four games. Atlanta veteran Matt Bobo has been out the past two games due to injury. Charleston's defense is led by goalie Dusty Hudock, who is ranked third in the league in goalkeeper wins (6).

Atlanta has posted a 5-2-3 record at Atlanta Silverbacks Park this year, and will be looking to continue its success at home. A win on Friday night can potentially allow Atlanta to leapfrog both Portland and Miami in the standings. With playoffs looming, the ‘Backs will look to make a run and solidify a spot for the 2007 finalists.

Last year, Atlanta and Charleston split the season series, with each club going 2-2-0. The two teams will meet again in Atlanta on August 16^th, a fixture which will be included in the Southern Derby Cup standings.