Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
CHARLESTON S.C. -- The Charleston Battery lost 1-0 to Orlando City in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup Tuesday night at Blackbaud Stadium. Defender Rob Valentino scored the crucial goal in the 39th minute heading past Battery goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra to send Orlando into the third round. Orlando City will head to Major League Soccer’s FC Dallas for the third round fixture next Tuesday night in Frisco, Texas.
“You don’t ever want to lose; especially with a chance to go to Texas and play MLS’s FC Dallas. It’s something every player wants to experience and something every coach wants to move on to,” said Battery Head Coach Mike Anhaeuser.
The Charleston Battery started brightly and had a chance in the eighth minute with a close range shot from midfielder Stephen Armstrong. The play started from a deflection from the Orlando defense, which was met by Nicki Patterson. Paterson slipped the ball through to Armstrong who was well placed for the shot, which soared just over the crossbar.
Just following in the 12th minute, midfielder Evan Taylor struck a cross to the far right side of the box. The cross was met with a diving header by fellow teammate Brandon Massie whose efforts left a shot just skimming the crossbar. The Battery’s best chance of the half fell to forward Levi Coleman from a whipped cross in the 34th minute. Coleman met the ball but his point-blank header was parried clear by Orlando goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo.
In the 39th minute, Orlando City scored the lone goal of the evening. After the ball was cleared from a corner Andrew Dykstra came off his goal line as the ball was played back into the box. Rob Valentino just beat Dykstra to the ball and headed over him into the back of the net.
Charleston fought back and came close to equalizing in the 45th as forward Levi Coleman beat the Orlando defense with a quick cut to the inside of the field leaving forward Nicki Paterson alone at the top of the box. Coleman’s pass split two defenders giving Paterson a shot that missed the net by inches.
In the 57th minute, substitute Battery forward Dane Kelly found some room inside the Orlando half. Kelly managed to slip between the defenders but Gallardo stepped up quickly and scooped the ball from Kelly’s feet before he could strike the ball.
The Battery heads to Wilmington, N.C. on Friday night for an 8 p.m. match against the Hammerheads that will be broadcast live on FOX Soccer. Charleston returns to Blackbaud Stadium Saturday night for a 7:30 p.m. match against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.