Wilmington Hammerheads News Release -- www.wilmingtonhammerheads.com
Friday, June 24, 2011
WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Charleston Battery redeemed themselves in front of a season-high crowd of 5,127, at Legion Stadium on Friday night and defeated the Wilmington Hammerheads 2-0 on their home turf. The Hammerheads slipped to 5-4-3 while the Battery improved to 7-5-3 overall.
The Battery, who were looking to avenge a 3-0 loss from earlier this season, came out strong in the opening 25 minutes and outshot the Hammerheads 4-1 with three shots from forward Dane Kelly.
In the 29th minute the Battery would not be denied as they broke the deadlock and took a 1-0 lead when speedy forward Seedy Bah chipped a shot past Hammerhead keeper Kyle Polak. Midfielder Zach Prince was credited with an assist after finding Bah with a cross.
The Battery continued to set the pace in the second half, pressuring the Hammerheads offensively. Wilmington continued to fight back, however, with a flying header from forward Jyler Noviello in the 53rd minute that ricocheted off the right post.
In the 66th minute Charleston expanded its lead with a second goal from forward Dane Kelly off an assist from defender Colin Falvey. Kelly ran past Hammerheads defenders on to a lofted serve from Falvey.
Despite the two-goal deficit, the Hammerheads continued to press onward in the second half. In the 77th minute, midfielder Paul Nicholson fired a powerful attempt on goal that was well saved by Charleston goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra who turned the shot around his left post.
In a final attempt, Hammerheads midfielder Richard Jata took a free kick just outside the penalty area in the 87th minute that was juggled but saved by Dykstra, who earned his second shutout of the season.
The Hammerheads will next travel to face Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night before they return home to take on the Los Angeles Blues at Legion Stadium beginning at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday. The Battery will play another match on Saturday night as they host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in a 7:30 p.m. match at the Blackbaud Stadium.