RICHMOND, VA – The match between the Charleston Battery and Richmond Kickers Wednesday night was suspended in the 21st minute due to weather. After a hundred minute delay, officials elected to postpone the match to a later date, which has yet to be announced.
The Battery looked the better side prior to the lightning break. Charleston appeared to have put the tough result against FC Montreal behind them, finding their usual rhythm on the ball and quickness on the counter that was missing last Saturday. Justin Portillo had the best chance of the short 20 minute “game”, striking a hard shot on frame just as the referee called for the weather break. The two teams will pick up in the 21st minute on whatever date is chosen for the make-up match.
With the trip to Virginia temporarily behind them, the Battery will turn their attention to Wilmington on Saturday. The team leaves for North Carolina on Friday, seeking their third win against the Hammerheads this season.
Charleston won the first match-up between the Carolina rivals, 2-1, in dramatic fashion. Taylor Mueller flicked a corner kick past goalkeeper John Smits in the 85th minute to earn three points for the Battery at MUSC Health Stadium. Despite the what the scoreline indicates, Charleston dominated the match, outshooting the Hammerheads 12-2.
The second game of the three-game series was much more tightly contested. After a first half Shawn Ferguson goal, the Battery bunkered down defensively and walked away from Legion Stadium with three hard-earned points. Charleston’s back four played very well in both wins over Wilmington, the Battery goalkeepers were not forced to make a save in either match.
Wilmington enters Saturday’s match in desperate need of a win. The Hammerheads haven’t earned three points since July 9th, going winless in their last six matches. Similarly the Battery haven’t won since they beat New York Red Bulls II on July 23rd. Matches between the rivals are always hotly contested, but with both teams scrapping for points to move up in the standings, expect fireworks on Saturday night.