Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery rallied to defeat the PDL’s Reading United 2-1 in the second round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night at Blackbaud Stadium. After falling behind the Battery drew level through Dane Kelly and then Nicki Paterson scored the game-winner late in the second half, firing a free kick past Reading’s goalkeeper Emmanuel Martin to lift the Battery into the third round.
“I will tell you they are a good side, and they have some quality young players,” said Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser. “They did a very good job causing us some problems particularly on the corner kicks and free kicks.”
After a scoreless first half Reading United took the lead in the 64th minute when Olutolani Ibikunle headed the ball past Charleston’s goalkeeper, Brock Duckworth from a Steve Neumann corner kick. Minutes later the Battery fought back and drew level after Kelly took a left-footed shot from just outside the 18-yard box to tie the match. Navion Boyd was credited with the assist.
The Battery continued to press and were rewarded for their efforts in the 79th minute when substitute midfielder Nicki Paterson was taken down 30 yards out. Paterson took the free kick himself and bent a beautifully placed shot into the net, giving United’s goalkeeper little chance.
“Those were two great finishes to come back when we were down so that shows a lot of character,” said Anhaeuser
With the win, the Battery advance to host Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup. The game will be played at Blackbaud Stadium on Tuesday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m. ($10-$18, (843)-971-GOAL (4625) / www.charlestonbattery.com).
The Charleston Battery returns to USL PRO action to host the LA Blues this Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium; kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.