Five games after the Charleston Battery last scored, they found a way to net two to giving the team a 2-1 victory, handing the Richmond Kickers their first loss of the season.
The win puts the Battery in the fourth position in the American Division only six points behind league leaders Orlando City with 14 games left in the season.
Goals from Dane Kelly in the first half and John "J.D." Gruenewald in the dying minutes of the game gave The Battery their first goals and their first win in more than 500 minutes of play.
But the night started of terrible for the black and yellow. Rookie defender Sean Flatley had a miscue heading the ball back to Keith Wiggins in the opening minute. The result was a goal from Richmond forward, Mathew Delicate 23 seconds into the game.
Kelly speed gave the Kicker's back line trouble all night last night. His pace took him past two Kicker defenders and one-on-one with the keeper. His initial shot was blocked but fell fortuitously to Kelly and he slotted it into the the net in the 27 minute.
Gruenewald's goal came at the end of the match in the 86 minute. He took a no look pass from Nicki Paterson and put the ball past Kicker's keeper Ronnie Pascale.
The Battery showed a lot of gumption and the team, Flatley especially, shook off the error and continued to go on and win the match 2-1.
Colin Falvey and Mike Zaher had exceptional games on defense.
Diego Walsh also showed he still has a great touch although it is understood at this time, his contract is limited to weeks, not months.
"This really wasn't one of our better performances," said Gruenewald, in Andrew Miller's piece in the Post and Courier "But we really needed a win. ... We were just determined to get a win tonight. We talked before the game about ending one streak and starting another."
You can read a full the recap of the match at the Battery website
According to Miller's blog, it looks like Coleman could be back for the weekend match and Dykstra should return next week sometime.
Wilson will also return as his suspension for the red card in Wilmington was only for one match, not three matches as was thought by some.
Cole Peverley didn't suffer a break in Wilmington as first feared but will sit for a couple weeks with a twisted ankle.
Look for the Battery to be back in action on Saturday night at 7:30pm EST. The match is family night at the 'Baud. You can purchase a family pack with 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs and 4 sodas for $30. If you can't make it the match will be on www.USLlive.com.
Up the Battery!
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