Battery roll onto second round of the US Open Cup

The Charleston Battery defeated Regals FC of Houston Texas in the first round of the US Open Cup.  With the win to advance to the second round where they take on Orlando City FC at Blackbaud Stadium on Tuesday June 21 at 7:30pm.

The Battery started a mix of first and second team players after ten day lay off from their last match.  The Battery dominated most the possession and shots on goal, 18 shots on goal with nine saves from the fabulous play of Regal FC goalkeeper, Marcus Sanchez.

The Battery created several chances but couldn't find the back of the net.  The score could have been easily 4 or 5 goals if not for hitting the woodwork several times as well.  But the boys keep knocking and eventually opened the door.

A somewhat controversial penalty call just after the start of the second half found Nicki Paterson stepping up to the spot to give the Battery a goal advantage and the confidence to go looking for more.

Dane Kelly found a second goal for the Battery after a nice build up of play and a creative back pass from Seedy Bah.



Sadly, J.C. Mack had to be carried off the field in the first half and was replaced by Diego Walsh.  Mack went down after a tough tackle and the physio was working on the top of his foot.  No official word yet on the extent of the injury.

For a complete match report go to the Battery match review HERE.

Hopefully the win will give the boys some confidence going into the match Friday night against a faltering Dayton Dutch Lions.  Nothing less than a win will do against a team that has given up 22 goals and only scored 8 in 9 matches.

The Battery will take on Orlando City FC on Tuesday, June 21.  Orlando is riding high right now in the league and defeated their first round opponents ASC Stars (another amateur team from Houston Texas) 4-0 in their Open cup match up yesterday.  It will be a return to Charleston of Ian Fuller and College of Charleston standout Justin Fojo.  Look for a tought match up as the Battery defense will have its work cut out for it.

Third round pairings should be announce later today.  The third round is when MLS teams begin their quest for the Open Cup.  check back for updates regularly.

Mikey