Saturday, June 22, 2013
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery came away with a 0-0 draw on Saturday night against VSI Tampa Bay FC at Blackbaud Stadium. 5,111 fans were on hand for this match as both teams battled for 90 minutes but saw no goals. With the draw, the Battery move to (7-3-5) and fourth place in the USL PRO standings while VSI Tampa Bay (7-6-2) will stay three points behind the Battery and in fifth place.
“Tonight was just one of those games, both teams created some good chances but no one could seem to find the back of the net," said Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser after the game. "In the end you just have to take the point and realize that it’s definitely better than a loss.”
Both teams shared opportunities in the first half; Battery midfielder Quinton Griffith missed a couple of close chances and forward Heviel Cordoves continued to produce quality play up top, but neither was able to put an opportunity away. Tampa Bay also went close with five minutes to go before the break, Darren Toby being played in behind the defense, only for be denied by an outstanding save by Battery goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper.
Charleston controlled much more in the second half and had some quality looks from set pieces. Late in the second half, Nicki Paterson curled a free kick beautifully around the Tampa Bay defensive wall, but VSI goalkeeper Alex Horwath dove to come up with a great save that kept the game scoreless.
The draw is the Battery’s third draw in as many games. Even though there was plenty of action, a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping by both sides kept honors even, allowing VSI to return to Florida with a point.
Up next, the Charleston Battery will host Orlando City at Blackbaud Stadium on Friday, July 5. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. and the game will be streamed live at uslnation.com and on the air on 1450 AM WQNT.