Taylor Mueller key to the Battery's strong start

Defender Taylor Mueller added USl Player of the Week honors to what has already been an outstanding start to the 2016 season, playing a key role in the Battery's 2-1 victory over Wilmington Saturday.

The former Washington Husky made his presence felt early against the Hammerheads, notching a headed assist on a 2nd minute Romario Williams goal. Mueller would go on to score what would be the game winning goal in the 84th minute, once again using his head, off a solid corner by Justin Portillo.

Saturday's performance proved that Mueller is a forced to be reckoned with not only on defense, where the Battery have been one of if not the top clubs in USL holding Wilmington to just 2 shots, but a goal scoring threat off set pieces.

Mueller on the game winner: "We've done that so, so many times, Justin and me, I actually switched with Fergie (Shawn Ferguson), we were switching every time. He'd go near post, I'd go far-post, and vice-versa. Justin put in a great ball, put the perfect touch on it, and luckily the keeper was sleeping just a little bit."

Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser spoke highly of the 5th year Battery veteran, describing Mueller's performance as "beautiful", earning his 2nd league recognition in 3 weeks.

Mueller showed off his versatility against a solid FC Cincinnati club in week one, moving from his usual spot at CB to cover an injured Emmanuel Adjetey at RB, earning a spot on the USL Team of The Week.

"It shows that he's stepping up," said Anhaeuser "It's doing something special, like scoring a goal or shutting someone down. Hopefully we'll get more defenders on the team of the week every week. But it's certainly well-deserved."

It certainly appears 2016 has all the makings of a breakout season for the 27-year-old defender. Mueller will look to ride his wave of momentum, and continue to play a lead role in Charleston's quest for a 5th USL Championship.