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The Battery came up short against Minnesota
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9/13/2008 11:32:54 PM
Battery loses to Thunder
Blaine, MN. The Charleston Battery lost by a score of four goals to none to the Minnesota Thunder Saturday night at the National Sports Center. Playing a largely reserve side the Battery found themselves on the end of a lop-sided as the Thunder took advantage with four unanswered goals.
Having secured a playoff berth with Thursday’s win versus the Portland Timbers Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser elected to start some of his younger players and rest the majority of the first-team regulars.
Despite the youthful look Charleston started brightly and created the first chance of the game in the 15th minute as the ball was worked quickly to Mike Richardson on the left side. Minnesota were slow to close Richardson down and he responded by blasting a shot at goal that missed just high.
In the 40th minute a quick counter-attack from the Battery saw Aaron King and Darren Spicer released against just one Thunder defender. After a nice interplay Spicer fired a shot at goal but Minnesota goalkeeper Nick Platter was well placed to make the save.
The Thunder opened the scoring in the 45th minute after a long throw from the near side. Defender Marco Reda challenged forward Nate Knox for the ball and appeared to be pulled down by the striker. As the Charleston players appealed for a foul Knox stayed with the play and fired home past goalkeeper Keith Wiggans.
Thunder striker Melvin Tarley scored twice after the break to give Minnesota a three goal cushion then substitute forward Frederico Moojen added a fourth just before full-time to put the game beyond doubt.
The Charleston Battery returns to Blackbaud Stadium next Friday night for the regular season finale versus the Carolina RailHawks (8:00 PM, $5 - $15; 971-GOAL / www.charlestonbattery.com).
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