The Richmond Kickers (5-6-5) fell to the Charleston Battery (9-4-3) 2-0 in the 57th meeting between the two sides at MUSC Health Stadium.
The Richmond Kickers (5-6-5) fell to the Charleston Battery (9-4-3) 2-0 in the 57th meeting between the two sides at MUSC Health Stadium. The Battery scored two first half goals in the space of seven minutes and were able to hang onto the lead, despite going down to 10 men in the second half.
Charleston would take the lead in the 29th minute from a corner. The ball was whipped in from Justin Portillo and met by defender, Taylor Mueller, who headed the ball in the back of the net.
The Battery would double their lead in the 36th minute from another header. O’Brian Woodbine crossed the ball from the left side of the field, finding substitute, Heviel Cordoves, who flicked the ball past Charlie Horton, giving Charleston a 2-0 lead.
The Kickers made four changes at halftime in an attempt to get back into the game.
In the 49th minute Kickers almost made an immediate response. After second half substitute Michael Callahan played a ball into the box, the ball could only be cleared as far as Yudai Imura, who first time volleyed the ball low, but struck the Charleston post and was cleared.
Charleston were given a golden opportunity when a player was fouled just outside the 18-yard box. Justin Portillo stepped up to take the free kick and his effort would go over the wall but strike Charlie Horton’s crossbar.
The Battery were sent down to 10 men when Dante Marini made a tackle on Travis Pittman in the middle of the field.
Alex Tambakis was forced into a huge save in 88th minute. Sascha Gorres played a ball into the box that found its way to the back post finding Brian Ownby wide open and he fired a strong shot at goal that was parried out for a corner kick.
Richmond were unable to find the back of the net as Charleston hung on for the victory.
The Kickers will be back at City Stadium on July 16 to host Premier League side, Swansea City. Tickets are on sale now at RichmondKickers.com.
