Charleston Battery advanced in the USL Championship playoffs after edging Rhode Island FC 5–4 on penalties following a 1–1 draw on Friday night.

Jojea Kwizera gave Rhode Island FC the lead at the 28th minute, and the visitors carried that advantage deep into the contest. Charleston leveled through Miguel Berry — who had already been booked in the first half — late in regulation, forcing extra time.

The penalty shootout was tightly contested throughout. Berry stepped up and converted for the Battery, as did Sean Suber, Emilio Ycaza, Laurent Kissiedou, and Jeremy Kelly to complete the 5–4 win. Rhode Island saw their efforts from Kwizera, Yutaro Tsukada, Karifa Yao, and Koke Vegas matched, but one kick proved decisive as Charleston held their nerve to advance.

It was a match that tested both squads' discipline. Rhode Island accumulated a string of yellow cards across the 90 minutes and into extra time, with Kwizera — already on a booking from the 12th minute — among those walking a disciplinary tightrope. Koke Vegas was cautioned in the 90th minute before converting in the shootout. Neither side was reduced to 10 men, but the card count reflected the intensity of the contest.

The result sees Charleston Battery progress at Rhode Island FC's expense, a significant outcome with playoff positioning on the line at this stage of the USL Championship season.