Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Saturday, July 30, 2011
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery lost 1-0 to the Rochester Rhinos Saturday night at Blackbaud Stadium in front of 3,613. Rochester goalkeeper Neal Kitson made saves as the Battery offense failed to find a breakthrough goal. Rhinos substitute midfielder Drew Cost scored the game-winner, slotting home for the visitors in the 68th minute.
Charleston started brightly and Kitson was called into action in the seventh minute, saving smartly to deny Nicki Paterson who drove a hard shot at goal from 20 yards. In the 27th minute Paterson picked out forward Dane Kelly 10 yards out with a curling cross. Kelly rose well and snapped a header down on target but again Kitson managed to make the save.
Both teams struggled to turn quality possession into quality chances on a warm and muggy evening but Rochester took advantage of their best chance converting just after the hour-mark. Charleston failed to clear the ball properly following a long throw and Cost made no mistake drilling a low shot past Charleston goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra.
A minute later Charleston should have leveled as Dane Kelly went through on goal but a heavy final touch allowed Kitson to scramble the ball to safety.
Charleston continued to press and in the 90th minute substitute forward Seedy Bah slipped behind the back four with the ball. Bah smashed his shot on target but Kitson made a reaction save to preserve his shutout.
The Battery heads to Orlando, Fla. next week for a pair of games against Orlando City on Wednesday and Saturday. Both games kick off at 7:30 p.m. and are available locally on 1340 AM and via an audio stream at www.charlestonbattery.com.