Against a Blast side that handed the Battery their only home defeat this season, Charleston weather more than one storm on Tuesday in front of 3,141 at Blackbaud stadium.
Both teams started the match with clear intentions of wanting to win, with each sides creating some chances early in the match. But it was the Battery midfielder Matt Farris who opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a rocket from the top of the penalty box to beat Indiana's goalkeeper David Winner.
The Blast counter quickly and in the 20th minute Rodrigo Costa scored from six yards out on what looked like an obvious handball. The crowd waited in silence for referee Ronnie Canales to make the call but to no avail. The score stood at 1-1.
The remainder of the half was punctuated by a nice run by Battery defender John Wilson in the 25th minute. The Battery had another good chance in the 39th minute on a ball headed by forward Paul Conway to strike partner Jon Akin who shot just went wide.
The Blast made it 2-1 in the 63rd minute when Tommy Keenan scored on a free kick from 20 yards out. And the Battery's troubles mounted when they went down to ten men in the 65th minute when Dan Calichman received a red card.
Playing a man down, the Battery continued to pressure the Blast goal as the crowd grew louder. Their efforts paid off in time added on when Paul Conway score the tying goal making the score 2-2 sending the match into overtime. It was Conway's 15th league goal of the year and 18th including Open Cup.
The Battery received the winning goal in the 99th minute when John Ball scored on a shot from the top to the penalty box, deflecting of a Blast defender, sending keeper the wrong way.
The Battery win keeps them on top of the A-league Central Conference with 9-4-1 record and 41 points.
Additionally, special hats off to head groundsman, Herman Allen, for taking great care of the field. In a game preceded by torrential rain and lightning and a rugby game, the pitch was in remarkable shape.
And hats off to Battery owner Tony Bakker and everyone else who was responsible for organizing the fans and creating a great atmosphere in the East Stands. Its not often you see the owner standing with the fans, singing and chanting the whole match. I hope it something that is continued the rest of the season. Each match, more and more people will gravitate toward the east stands, creating an even larger and louder presence. I know the player appreciated the crowd and acknowledge them after the match.
