The Charleston Battery lost, 2-0, to the Richmond Kickers Saturday night at City Stadium. The loss was the Battery’s first in the league since March 31st.
Yudai Imura created the chance for the game’s opening goal when he drew a foul on the left flank just outside the 18-yard box. Brian Shriver served the ensuing free kick into the six-yard box in front of goalkeeper Joe Kuzminsky. Former Battery striker Heviel Cordvoes rose up and nodded the ball past Kuzminsky to put the hosts ahead in the 62nd minute.
With Ataulla Guerra unavailable for the match, the Battery struggled to create on the offensive third. Charleston recorded ten shots in the match, but didn’t test goalkeeper Travis Worra in the second half.
Luiz Fernando put the game out of reach in stoppage time of the second half. Fernando received the ball at the top of the penalty box, beat his defender, and drove a low, left-footed shot past Kuzminsky at the near post.
Following Saturday’s loss in Richmond, the Battery will remain on the road. They’ll travel to Charlotte to take on the Independence in the second of three meetings between the Carolina rivals this season next Saturday. The Battery returns home to MUSC Health Stadium on June 23 for a match with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Box Score:
CHARLESTON – Joe Kuzminsky, Leland Archer, Taylor Mueller, Neveal Hackshaw, Jarad van Schaik (Nico Rittmeyer, 58), Vincenzo Candela (Ryan Arambula, 45), Tah Brian Anunga, Jay Bolt (yellow card, 74), Gordon Wild, Patrick Okonkwo, Kotaro Higashi (Ian Svantesson, 80; yellow card, 86)
Substitutes – Odisnel Cooper, Angelo Kelly, Skylar Thomas, Victor Mansaray
RICHMOND – Travis Worra, Alex Lee, Conor Shanosky (Evan Lee, 71), Austin Yearwood, Mekeil Williams, Braeden Troyer, Raul Gonzalez (Luiz Fernando, 63; goal, 92), Yudai Imura, Christopher Osei-Wusu (Dane Kelly, 63), Heviel Cordoves (yellow card, 5; goal, 62), Brian Shriver
Substitutes – Trevor Spangenberg, Neil Hiavaty, Fred Owusu Sekyere, Scott Thomsen
