Despite the end of the World Cup, there’s still plenty of football to follow state-side with MLS regular season play, SuperLiga starting up, an open transfer window, the final stages of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, and the beginning of the CONCACAF Champions League all taking place within the next month. Around the nation, RSL players on loan are in the midst of it all, helping their respective teams to success on and off the field.

Goalkeeper Tim Melia played his last game in Blackbaud Stadium (in the immediate future, at least) as he helped the Charleston Battery clinch a crucial 1-0 win over the Richmond Kickers in a battle for first place in the USL-Pro Second Division last Friday. Melia saw plenty of action as a result of two Battery ejections during the match, but two huge saves late in the game helped the entrenched Battery to defend the lead to the final whistle.

Following the match, Melia was recalled by Real Salt Lake, swapping spots with goalkeeper extraordinaire Kyle Reynish in Charleston. Melia was in superb form for the Battery this year, playing in sixteen games and posting ten wins and  four shut-outs; while he will be missed, expect Reynish to step in and continue the Claret-and-Cobalt’s fine showing in Charleston. Reynish did play for the Battery during the pre-season Carolina Challenge Cup tournament and should be able to pick up the metaphorical anchor right where Melia left it.

On tap: The first-place Battery (8-3-3, 27 pts.) will continue their regular season play on Friday night with a match against the bottom-dwelling Real Maryland Monarchs (3-6-5, 14 pts.). Reynish will have his work cut out for him as both O’Brian Woodbine and John Wilson will be serving their one game suspensions for red cards issued during the Richmond match. Charleston’s busy weekend will continue the following evening at Blackbaud Stadium, where the squad will welcome legendary Bolton Wanderers for the first-ever visit to Charleston by a current EPL side.

Last Games:

» July 6 v. Columbus Crew (Open Cup) – Despite a great run for Open Cup glory, the might of the MLS 2009 Supporters Shield Champions was to much for the Battery in the 0-3 loss.

» July 9 v. Richmond Kickers – Despite being down two men Melia and the Battery we able to grab a 1-0 victory over the No. 2 ranked team.

Next Games:

» Friday, July 16 v. Real Maryland Monarchs

» Saturday, July 17 v.  Bolton Wanderers

In the Rose City, the Portland Timbers (6-5-5, 23 pts. ; T-3rd in USSF Div. 2′s USL standings) have been on a roll as they are now on a five-game unbeaten streak. At the core of the team is MF Alex Nimo, who has been aiding the Timbers with preparations for the 2011 MLS season. The Timbers bumped their winning streak to four games last Saturday via a 2-0 victory over Miami FC Blues. The first goal came as a result of a Nimo freekick that was drilled into the back of the net by defender Ross Smith in the 48th minute.

On tap: Portland’s Open Cup dreams were crushed by the Seattle Sounders FC on June 30, but the Ax Men have more than enough great competition to keep them busy over the next few weeks. Nimo will have to be at the top of his game as the team resumes play this Saturday with an international friendly against Carlos Tevez, new signing David Silva and the rest of the EPL’s Manchester City. After that, the USL-1 season resumes on Thursdya, July 22, with a match against Northwest rival Vancouver Whitecaps. Both matches are sure to be good games, and a great opportunity for Nimo to show leadership in the face of strong opponents.

Last Games:

» July 10 v. Miami Blues – A Nimo free kick was the key to the first goal in the 2-0 win over Miami.

» July 11 v. Atlas (Mexico) – The Timbers put on a show for their fans at PGE park by fighting to a 1-1 draw with Mexican powerhouse Atlas.

Next Games:

» Saturday, July 17 v. Manchester City (6:00 p.m. MT)

» Thursday, July 22 @ Vancouver Whitecaps (6:30 p.m. MT)

DF David Horst continued his tropical “vacation” by helping the Puerto Rico Islanders to a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace Baltimore last Friday in San Juan. The win comes at a good time for the Islanders as they are trying to catch up with the rest of the league in terms of games played. The extra three points brings the Islanders up to a total 17, boosting them to a good position for a late season playoff push. Horst continued his defensive dominance during the match playing the entire 90 minuets. The Islanders didn’t fare so well two nights later at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel, as the Carolina Railhawks swooped in to take a 2-0 result from Puerto Rico.

On the table: The Islanders will head to the Sunshine State for a pair of contests this weekend, as they first head to Tampa Bay to take on the Rowdies tonight at 5:30 MT time. The last time these two teams met the Islanders were able to steal a win, and hopefully they can do the same on the road. The trip continues on Saturday with a visit to Miami Blues FC.

Last games:

» July 3 @ Austin Aztecs – Solid defense from Horst contributed to a 1-1 tie with the No.1 ranked Aztecs.

» July 9 v. Crystal Palace Baltimore – A 2-0 result, and a full 90 from Horst gained the Islanders some much needed points

Next games:

» Thursday, July 15 @ Tampa Bay Rowdies (5:30 p.m. MT)

» Saturday, July 17 @ Miami Blues (5:30 p.m. MT)