Victor Mansaray and Ian Svantesson scored in stoppage time of the second half to help the Charleston Battery to a 2-0 win over North Carolina FC Wednesday night at MUSC Health Stadium.
The Battery possessed the ball well in the opening minutes of the match, but North Carolina created the first clear scoring chance of the game. Zach Steinberger was played through on goal in the 10th minute, but his attempted chip from close range rang off the crossbar and stayed out.
Steinberger had a chance to redeem himself minutes later from the penalty spot. The referee pointed to the spot after Donovan Ewolo’s shot nicked off of Angelo Kelly’s finger at the top of the 18-yard box. Steinberger stepped up and attempted a panenka, but Joe Kuzminsky read it and caught the shot with ease.
Kuzminsky made two saves in the match to earn his 12th and the team’s 14th clean sheet of the season. Kuzminsky’s 12 shutouts is the third-highest total in the USL.
Both sides pressed for the go-ahead goal in the second half, but neither could find a way through. With the Battery attack stalling, Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser brought on Mansaray, Svantesson, and Neveal Hackshaw. All three second half substitutes made an impact in the final minutes of the match to help the Battery earn three points.
In the 91st minute, Hackshaw intercepted a pass at midfield and burst forward down the left flank before delivering a cross into the penalty area. Mansaray rose up and nodded Hackshaw’s cross in to give the Battery a 1-0 lead in the dying moments. The goal was Mansaray’s second of the season.
Svantesson doubled Charleston’s lead minutes later from distance. As Hackshaw tried to kill the game in the corner, the ball popped out to Kotaro Higashi who found Svantesson. The 6-6 striker turned a smacked a low, left-footed shot on frame that beat goalkeeper Alex Tambakis to his left.
The win extends the Battery’s unbeaten streak to six games and all but clinches a spot in the playoffs.
“You know what, I’m going to say we’re in,” said Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser following the game. “Fifty-three points was our goal and we got there. Now we’re going to shoot for top two, three, or four so we can get a home game. Our guys are playing great and it’s the whole squad showing up every game. I’ve needed everybody and they’ve delivered. The guys are doing a fantastic job.”
The Battery will host Toronto FC II on Saturday night with their eyes on a top four finish. If the Battery beats Toronto and Indy Eleven drop points this weekend, Charleston will host in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on Saturday, October 20.
Box Score:
CHARLESTON – Joe Kuzminsky, Leland Archer, Taylor Mueller, Skylar Thomas (Neveal Hackshaw, 88), Jay Bolt, Tah Brian Anunga, Angelo Kelly, Nico Rittmeyer, Gordon Wild (Victor Mansaray, 75; goal, 91), Kotaro Higashi, Ataulla Guerra (Ian Svantesson, 73; goal, 93)
Substitutes – Odisnel Cooper, O’Brian Woodbine, Ryan Arambula, Vincenzo Candela
NORTH CAROLINA – Alex Tambakis, DJ Taylor, Aaron Guillen, Wuilito Fernandes, Steve Miller, Graham Smith, Austin da Luz, Kyle Bekker (Peabo Dove), Victor Igbekoyi (Dre Fortune, 76), Zach Steinberger (Ty Shipalane, 70), Donovan Ewolo
Substitutes – Austin Guerrero, Michael Harrington, Cameron Steele, Marios Lomis
