Raleigh defeats Charleston The Charleston Battery’s three game winning streak came skidding to a halt Wednesday night in Raleigh, as the Capital Express beat Charleston 2-0. The win drops the Battery to a record of 7-4-2 still good enough for 34 pts and second place in the Atlantic division. Raleigh on the other hand improves to 4-6-3, 21 pts but remains firmly entrenched at the bottom of the division. It was initially uncertain whether the game would be played at all. An hour before kick-off there was torrential rain and intermittent lightning. When the lightning did stop the game started 30 minutes behind schedule. It was clear from the outset that the weather would be a major factor in the resulting play. The match was scrappy and players struggled to find a solid footing. Charleston had a couple of good opportunities early. In the 7th minute Battery midfielder, Temoc Saurez, drove a searching cross into the box. Forward Paul Conway rose to meet it but his reaction-header flew over the bar. Again in the 15th minute, Conway, the leading scorer in the A-league this year, was denied by solid goalkeeping from the Raleigh stopper, Chris Lewis. When the deadlock was finally broken in the 36th minute, it was Raleigh who went in front. Midfielder, Carson White streaked into the box but before he could get his shot off, Charleston defender, Darren Warham, slid in for a tackle. In the ensuing confused moment, White tumbled to the floor and the referee awarded the Express a disputed, penalty kick. Ihor Dotsenko took the spot-kick for Raleigh and slipped the ball past Battery keeper, Dusty Hudock giving the Capital Express a one goal lead. Three minutes later the deficit would double as the Express scored another goal. This time some quick passing caught the Charleston Battery defense by surprise and left Carson White free in the box. White picked his spot and drove the ball past Hudock who was left little chance to make the save. The half ended with Charleston trailing 2-0. In the second period, the weather really set-in and as the rain poured down the game slipped away from Charleston. There was a glimmer of hope in the 63rd minute when Brent Sancho and fellow Battery midfielder, Dean Sewell combined neatly on the right flank. The ball was passed to Mac Cozier in the penalty area but his shot went awry. The game fizzled out with the final score the same as it was at the end of the half, Raleigh 2 - Charleston 0. The Battery returns home for a 7:30 p.m. game Tuesday July 4th Vs the Central Division, Indiana Blast. There will be fire-works after the game courtesy of CareAlliance Health Services.
Scoring Summary:
Line Ups: Express: Lewis, Ellis, Marks, Mormon, Edwards, Farris, Merkel (Mcdermott 79), White, Di Salvo (Walker 70), Dotsenko, Garner (Watkins 59). Shots: Battery 10, Express 9. Saves: Battery (Hudock) 2, Express (Lewis) 3. Fouls: Battery 11, Express 18. Offsides: Battery 1, Express 2. Corners: Battery 7, Express 8. Cautions: Express (Edwards 38) Weather: Torrential rain |