Description
Match Date: September 8, 2012
Competition: USL Pro Playoffs Final
Location: Blackbaud Stadium
Match Story:
Once upon a time, Charleston was a mecca for American professional soccer. While other teams in their league played in high school and college stadiums or retro-fitted grounds, Charleston had the first modern-era stadium in the United States specifically built for soccer. An immaculate grass playing surface with proper dimensions, “luxury” boxes, and an on-site pub with a memorabilia collection that rivaled any soccer museum, it was a destination worth visiting. But by 2012, it had been nearly a decade since the club last lifted silverware. A third-place finish during in that regular season would foreshadow a deep run in the playoffs. After knocking back Harrisburg and Rochester, they proceeded to final hosted at Blackbaud against northern neighbors Wilmington. The two sides would play to a stalemate for over an hour before Michael Azira broke the deadlock in the 74th minute, giving Charleston their long awaited league silverware.
Design Story:
The match side features a pair of cannons that pay homage to the city’s naval history. On the reverse, Charleston’s famous black and yellow stripes with red piping, inspired by their 2023 home kits.
