USL PRO Game Report
Saturday, March 29, 2014
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery and Richmond Kickers played to a 2-2 draw on Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 3,254 fans. Midfielder Jarad van Schaik led the way for the Battery, scoring in the 22nd minute and assisting Amadou Sanyang’s goal in the 58th minute, but the Kickers were able to claim a point as 2013 All-League selection George Davis IV scored twice on his debut for Richmond.
“Obviously we were disappointed to give up the early goal but we got a great goal from Jarad van Schaik,” said head coach Mike Anhaeuser. “In the second half, we came out a little better and went up 2-1, but they were able to whip in a good cross. After that, it was an even game. Richmond is a good team and we need to work these teams a little better.”
Richmond netted the first goal of the game just short of the quarter-hour mark into the match. Davis IV scored after being played in behind the Battery defense by D.C. United loanee Collin Martin, who set up the goal with a swift run down the right side before slotting a leading pass that Davis collected just before entering the penalty area. After his first touch, Davis dribbled in and sent his shot past Battery goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper into the back of the net.
Charleston nearly equalized in the 19th minute when midfielder Zach Prince sent a shot just wide of goal. Prince gathered the ball on the left side before he passed to van Schaik, who returned the ball with a nifty back heel pass that Prince shot wide.
Minutes later, Charleston was able to tie the game in the 22nd minute on a header from van Schaik. Midfielder Andre Lewis found space on the left side, and was able to pick out van Schaik with a perfect cross that allowed the midfielder to flick the ball past Richmond goalkeeper Joe Willis.
The Battery went up 2-1 in the 58th minute after substitute forward Adam Mena drew a free kick just outside of the penalty area only two minutes after he entered the game. Van Schaik stepped up to take the free kick and played a cross into the box which was met by Amadou Sanyang, who jumped and was able to put his head on the ball and into the back of the net.
Richmond responded quickly when Martin and Davis IV connected again to make it 2-2 in the 67th minute. After Charleston failed to clear a corner, the ball was sent out to Martin on the right, and he sent a cross into the near post where Davis put the ball safely into the back of the net.
The Battery will next face Orlando City at Disney Wide World of Sports Stadium in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Richmond, meanwhile, returns home to host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in its home opener at City Stadium on Saturday, April 5 at 5 p.m. ET.
Tickets are available starting at $10, to purchase tickets or for more information please call 843-971-GOAL (4625) or visit www.charlestonbattery.com.