Fortress Charleston! Battery defeats Blast 3-0 Independence day, and the Battery did not disappoint providing plenty of fireworks during a resounding home win in front of 3,245 appreciative Charleston fans, at Blackbaud Stadium. The win means that the Battery are still undefeated at home and improve to a record of 8-4-2 good for 39 pts and 2nd place in the Atlantic division. The Indiana Blast on the other hand drop to a record of 4-9-2 and remain in 4th spot in the Central division with 19 pts. It was the first meeting between the two clubs this season and as the game began both teams were hesitant to commit players forward. Charleston enjoyed the majority of possession but were frustrated by an Indiana defense which worked resolutely to deny the home side. In the 25th minute the deadlock was almost broken. Brian Alvero combined with Battery forward Mac Cozier and the result was a goal-mouth scramble. Cozier couldn't get a clean strike at the ball however, and when it did pop free Paul Conway stroked it wide of the target. At the other end in the 30th minute, Indiana midfielder, Andy Parrish, received a ball at head height from Dustin Ottesen, but his attempt went high above the bar. As the first half drew to a close Charleston crowd favorite, Ivailo Ilarianov almost scored with a remarkable solo effort. He whipped a corner-kick into the box and it angled dangerously toward goal. As the Blast keeper watched, the ball thumped off the crossbar and the scores remained level. In the second half Charleston came out determined to give their home supporters a victory. Again they dominated with possession football and were finally rewarded in the 67th minute. Substitute, Temoc Saurez, drove a wicked cross into the box. Battery, leading scorer Paul Conway met the ball perfectly sending it goalward and the Battery had a one nothing lead. As the Charleston faithful urged the players on the time was seemingly running out. Then in the 90th minute Charleston were awarded a corner kick. Saurez took it with his trusty left foot, Conway flicked it on and at the back post, Jon Akin steamed in to drive the ball home. It was 2-0 Battery but they were not finished. In stoppage time as the Indiana players wilted, Conway streaked free on the near flank. The ball was flicked into his path and he found himself with only the keeper to beat. Calmly he drew the Indiana stopper across his goal, looked up and rolled the ball in front of fellow attacker, Ilarianov. Ivo tapped the ball into the goal and the score was 3-0. The referee blew the final whistle and Blackbaud Stadium erupted with the cheers of the Charleston fans. Significantly, Temoc Saurez's two assists carry him to the top the standings in the assists category with nine for the year. Charleston next game is at home vs the Hampton Roads Mariners. The July 8th game kicks off at 7:30 pm.
Scoring Summary:
Line Ups: Blast: Browder, Allen, Foster, Pickup, Duff (Procter 78), Parrish, McDermott (Caution 70), Baah, Ottesen, DiGaurdi, Broadhurst (Dresser 74). Shots: Battery 6, Blast 2. Saves: Battery (Hudock) 1, Blast (Browder) 2. Fouls: Battery 10, Blast 11. Offsides: Battery 7, Blast 4. Corners: Battery 6, Patriots 2. Cautions: Battery, Ilarianov (56) Ejections: none. Weather: warm with a light breeze. Charleston Battery Man of the Match: Brian Alvero. |