Goals Galore and Back to Orlando

Friday night the Battery had to win the match and win they did.  Notching a season high four goals in a "do or die" match against Charlotte certainly showed what they Battery can do offensively.  All season you could see that several players look like they were going to break down the curse this season and rack up some goals but it never came.  Surprisingly though the most spectacular goals came from someone who normally plays on the back line, Mike Zaher.

It's been said that Zaher's move from the defense into the midfield was the call of Battery Owner, Tony Bakker, and whether it was Zaher wanting to prove himself, Charlotte being unprepared for him in that position or the fact Zaher just thought "what the heck, I'm going for it," it all culminated into two of the nicest goals seen at Blackbaud this season.

Add a goal each from Zach Prince and Dane Kelly, the Battery seemed to be in the driver seats.  hat is until the 90th minute when two Charlotte goals in stoppage time made the score line 4-3 in favor of the Battery but left more than a few people apprehensive about the outcome.  And 4-3 was the final and the Battery were more than relieved to hear the final whistle. 

With the win, the Battery were also the crowned Southern Derby Cup winners.  The cup was promptly filled with Guinness and the players and fans celebrated the victory.

Sunday saw the Regiment annual Player Appreciation Picnic.  This year was a great turn out with tons of food, tons of people and off course the return of the infamous egg toss. Last years champion Levi Coleman was looking to retain his title this year and quickly chose the same partner as last year.  After several round the final two were down to Levi Coleman and Nicki Paterson with their team mates.  Nicki launched a long toss that his 4 year old partner couldnt track down, cracking the egg.  All Coleman had to do was launch and easy one for his partner, Director of ticket Sales for the Battery, Suzanne Sudzina, but the egg broke on the catch.  Levi and Nicki will have to share the title this year.

The boys now travel to Orlando to take on the Lions for the fifth time this season. the Battery have only won one of the last four but will be looking for the win this Saturday night to advance toward the Championship match. 

Spirits are high in the Battery camp.  The past contest with Orlando City have been very close and the results could have been different with a lucky bounce or a favorable call from the referee.  There is a small contingent of Battery fans traveling down for the match but for those unable to make the trip, the match will be on USLlive and via the Battery radio network. 

Up the Battery!!!