Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Friday, May 13, 2011
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Expansion USL PRO side F.C. New York won its first ever game Friday evening at Blackbaud Stadium, defeating the Charleston Battery 1-0. Forward Graciano Brito scored the lone goal, slipping the ball under Battery goalkeeper Keith Wiggans in the 35th minute.
The Battery managed 10 shots to New York’s three but were unable to finish any of their chances as they lost their first home league game at Blackbaud Stadium since the 2009 season.
The loss drops Charleston to 3-3-2, 11 points, fourth position in the American Division. New York 1-2-2, 5 points move up to a tie for third place in the National Division.
The Battery started well and had New York on the back foot in the opening thirty minutes. Defender Nigel Marples saw a left-footed attempt sail high in the 15th minute and then Colin Falvey came close just before the half-hour mark after a goalmouth scramble. Falvey reacted to the loose ball first but his driven shot was saved at the near-post by New York goalkeeper Steven Diaz.
The goal came minutes later as New York pumped the ball long into the Battery half. Brito fought off the challenge of Battery defenders John Wilson and Colin Falvey and kept his composure well to slot home from 12 yards out.
Battery head coach Mike Anhaeuser made a double swap at half time replacing forward Seedy Bah with Jamaican striker Dane Kelly and rookie midfielder Alex Caskey came in for Kevin Jackson.
Kelly had an early opportunity after Stephen Armstrong whipped in a cross to him at the near post but his flicked attempt missed just to the right of the goal.
Kelly was involved again in the 80th minute as he won possession of the ball just inside of the box, taking it from New York’s Josiah Snelgrove. He pulled the ball onto his left foot but his shot was stopped by Diaz who made a falling save to his left to deny him.
With time running out the Battery threw everything forward and almost pulled level in the 90th minute. Substitute midfielder Zach Prince picked the ball up on the left side, he cut past his defender but his left-footed strike was smothered by Diaz on the goal line.
The Battery heads to Wilmington, N.C. next Saturday night to take on the Wilmington Hammerheads. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (1340 AM / www.charlestonbattery.com).