Charleston Battery News Release -- www.charlestonbattery.com
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Charleston Battery came from behind to beat Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC 2-1 on Wednesday night at Blackbaud Stadium in the Carolina Challenge Cup. After conceding in the 14th minute the Battery rallied with a goal from Dane Kelly who also drew a penalty that allowed Charleston defender Mike Zaher to notch the game-winner.
Toronto opened the scoring in the 14th minute after Battery defender Nigel Marples handled the ball in the box. Midfielder Nathan Sturgis converted the ensuing penalty kick as the Reds jumped to a 1-0 lead.
Forward Dane Kelly, who recently joined the Battery on a season-long loan from JPL side Tivoli Gardens, caused the Toronto defense problems with his pace throughout the first half as the Battery fought back. Kelly was rewarded for his exertions in the 43rd minute as the ball was worked to him at the edge of the penalty area. Kelly fired a first-time shot that flew past Toronto goalkeeper Stefan Frei into the bottom left corner.
After the break Kelly continued to threaten and earned his side a penalty after he was pulled down in the box as he span past Toronto defender Mikael Yourassowsky. Zaher saw his initial penalty attempt saved but maintained his composure and lifted the rebound over Frei and into the goal.
Toronto pushed forward looking for an equalizer but were unable to find a breakthrough against a resilient Battery defense that held on for the win.
D.C. United 1 – Chicago Fire 0
In the first game of the evening D.C. United defeated the Chicago Fire a score of one goal to none. Rookie forward Blake Brettschneider scored the only goal of the match heading home from close range after a Santino Quaranta free-kick in the 10th minute.
Chicago was forced to play with ten men for the majority of the match after Deigo Chaves was ejected in the 37th minute for a late challenge.
The Carolina Challenge Cup concludes on Saturday night as Toronto FC plays D.C. United at 5 PM followed by the tournament finale at 7:15 PM as the Battery plays the Chicago Fire ($15 - $25, (843) 971-4625 / charlestonbattery.com).