Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Monday, February 18, 2013
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery scored two goals in an inspiring second half of soccer against the Vancouver Whitecaps and although the end result was a loss, they will surely be looking to use that momentum as they head into the second game of the Carolina Challenge Cup. The Battery is set to take on Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire on Wednesday night at Blackbaud Stadium in an excellent matchup under the lights.
The Fire are coming off of a 3-2 victory over Eastern Conference opponents, the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo started strongly as Adam Moffat gave his side the lead in the 15th minute, but Chicago scored three consecutive goals through Sherjill McDonald, Dilly Duka and Jeff Larentowicz. The Fire were able to hold onto the lead after a Houston scored a second through Cam Weaver in the 64th minute to chalk up a win.
Charleston got some promising looks late in the game against Vancouver after a missed opportunity early on by midfielder, Jose Cuevas. Nicki Paterson scored on a nice first-time shot from point blank range to make it 3-1 and Dane Kelly followed suit with a beautiful finesse shot from the left side of the box, but the Battery were unable to overcome the Whitecaps' three-goal lead that came on a pair of goals by Kekuta Manneh and a fine volley by Daigo Kobayashi.
There will not be many unknowns between these two sides; the Fire are competing in their third straight Carolina Challenge Cup following a second-place finish last year to D.C. United. In addition, both teams have had a chance to scope out the other sides play during the first round action this past Saturday.
Chicago and Vancouver have both jumped out to a good start and are currently sitting on top of the standings after wins in the opening round. Charleston and Houston are tied for second leaving the tournament still wide-open heading into the Wednesday’s matches.
Vancouver will play Houston in the opening match of the night at 5 p.m., followed by Charleston versus Chicago at 7:15 p.m. The final round of play on Saturday, February 23 will feature Chicago versus Vancouver at 5 p.m. and Charleston versus Houston at 7:15 p.m. All games will be played at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island.
Tickets and Schedule: Single day tickets (includes two games) start at just $15; for more information or to purchase tickets please call (843) 971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.
2013 Carolina Challenge Cup tournament schedule:
Wednesday, February 20
Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Chicago Fire, 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, February 23
Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 5 p.m.
Charleston Battery vs. Houston Dynamo, 7:15 p.m.