Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Saturday, July 9, 2011
CHARLESTON, S.C. – In a game that started at 9:30 p.m. after a two-hour weather delay, rookie midfielder Alex Caskey lifted the Battery to victory against Orlando City with a headed goal just after the hour-mark. The goal was Caskey’s first as a professional and bolstered the Battery's third position in USL PRO’s American Division.
Charleston goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra was in good form throughout the match making three big saves to preserve the shut-out, the Battery’s seventh of the season.
With bad weather forcing the teams to wait almost two hours to start the game the teams were a little rusty from the opening whistle. The first chance of the match didn’t come until the 12th minute as Battery striker Dane Kelly found some space on the right but his long-range effort zipped wide of the target.
Orlando enjoyed most of the first-half possession but didn’t threaten until the 42nd minute after midfielder Jamie Watson whipped in a cross from the right side. Charlie Campbell timed his jump well but his snap header skipped past the post.
After the break Andrew Dykstra was forced into action making a terrific reaction save to deny Orlando from a corner-kick. Keiron Bernard got a header down at close range but Dykstra managed to claw the ball away to safety.
The Battery scored the game-winner in the 62nd minute after some good flank play resulted in a deep cross from left-back Mike Zaher. Caskey got in front of the defender and headed back across the goalkeeper inside the near post.
Kelly almost doubled the Battery’s advantage minutes later after breaking behind the Orlando defense. Kelly carried the ball into the box but saw his driven shot scuffed away with a good foot-save.
Orlando had one more good chance late in the game as substitute forward Max Griffin shot from the left side of the box but Dykstra was equal to the challenge and snatched the ball out of the air as he dove to his left.
The Battery is back at Blackbaud Stadium on Thursday night to take on the Wilmington Hammerheads; gates 6:00 p.m., kick off 7:30 p.m.