Charleston, SC. The Charleston Battery's season long, unbeaten home streak, finally ended Saturday night, as the Hershey Wildcats defeated the Battery by a score of two goals to none. Both goals were scored in an exciting first half. The second period was characterized by torrential rain, making it very difficult for either side to produce the quality soccer that they are capable of. The loss drops Charleston to a record of 10-4-2, 49 pts and second place in the Atlantic Division.
The first chance of the game fell to the Battery when young midfield prospect, Brian Alvero, received the ball midway up inside the Wildcat half. He raced forward and looked for a striker to pass to but unfortunately with both forwards well-marked Alvero had to go it alone. He held the ball a second longer then unleashed a fierce drive towards goal. Unfortunately, a Hershey player got his body in front of the shot and it deflected wide of the target for a corner-kick.
In the 22nd minute the Wildcats finally broke the deadlock. Midfielder Steve Klein latched onto a loose ball inside the Battery half and drove forward into the box. He managed to maintain his balance as the Charleston defense closed in. Looking up, he poked the ball toward the far right-hand corner. Battery keeper Dusty Hudock dove to his right and although he got a touch on the ball, it ended up in the back of the net.
Two minutes later the Wildcats would score the goal that settled the game. Still reeling from the first strike, the Battery defense was stretched as Hershey defender, Kyle Swords, made a run down the left flank whipping a nasty cross into the box. Waiting for it was Wildcat target-man Gregg Simmonds. Simmonds rose to meet it, then nodded it home past a despairing Hudock. With a two-goal advantage the Wildcats closed ranks and the first half ended without any further goals.
During the break the heavens opened and torrential rain engulfed Blackbaud Stadium. Both teams were forced to play the entire second half in uninspiring conditions. Although, Charleston had a number of chances none were converted and the game ended with Hershey still two goals ahead. The Battery home record is still an impressive 8 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw.
The Charleston Battery heads out west next week, for a two game road-trip. On Friday night the Battery takes on the Tennessee Rhythm, then Sunday they play the El Paso Patriots. Both games can be heard live in Charleston on the Charleston Battery Skattell's Radio Network. Friday night coverage begins 8:15 pm, while on Sunday the broadcast starts at 3:45 pm.
Line Ups: Battery: Hudock, Woods, Spooner, Jean-Baptiste, Warham, Miller, Alvero (Scott 88), Ilarianov (Brownell 72), Conway, Iotov (Sewell 59), Cozier (Akin 70)
Wildcats: O'Conner, Penny (Ford 87), Feninger, Williams, Henning, Roberto (Leanord 72), Kopp, Colasante (Mitchell 60), Simmonds (Butler 77), Klein, Swords.
Shots: Battery; 10, Wildcats; 7.
Saves: Battery; (Hudock) 3, Wildcats; (O'Conner) 3.
Fouls: Battery; 7, Wildcats; 9.
Offside: Battery; 0, Wildcats; 7.
Corners: Battery; 9, Wildcats; 2.
Cautions: Battery; Hudock, Conway, Wildcats; Simmonds
Ejections: none.
Weather: warm and muggy / torrential rain.
