No Quarter is back after another long layoff!
Since our last update, the Battery loss close battle for first place in Orlando 2-1 but have since rebounded with two wins at home including a 3-0 win over Antigua and a 3-1 win over Harrisburg.
Those game have seen some great goals by league leading scorer, Nicki Paterson and Jose "Chiva" Cuevas.
Nicki's goal in Orlando was one any striker would have been proud of, a beautiful one touch volley from about 25 yards out and his free kick against Antigua is his third of the year from about 20 to 25 yards out.
Cuevas' goal last week against Harrisburg was a combination of ball skills and power. Deftly controlling the ball, followed by a scissor kick to crush the back of the net. The Battery have scored 23 goals in 12 matches so far, second behind Orlando's 25 goals. The also have only given up 8 goals, tied for first in goals allowed.
At the Battery's half way point in the season, they sit in second place with 27 points, 5 points behind Orlando but have one game in hand.
The Battery still play Orlando two more time this season the chance to take first place in within our reach.
The Battery play two matches this weekend in Antigua. The boys traveled down today and seem to be adjusting well to the tough condition the island nation must offer (insert sarcastic emo-con here!)
Although the Battery have out scored Antigua 7-0 in the last two matches, anything can happen. The stadium, referees, bad blood (remember, Dane Kelly got a right hook from one of their players in the last Antigua match!), all this leads up to the boys needing to keep their head straight, focus on the task and just keep doing what they have been doing all season.
Andrew Dykstra loan extension seems to be week to week now, with another extension which will should see him play the matches this weekend. Kevin Klasila is back in one-on-one training with Battery's goal keeper coach, Dusty Huddock after a ligament tear to his thumb. He should be training with the full team next week if all goes well.
You can watch the matches online at www.uslnation.com and join a few Battery faithful in their online chat feature.
Friday, June 30 7:00pm
Sunday July 1, 7:00pm
You can also listen online via the Battery website or on 1340am locally.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Road Warriors!
After a 3-0 defeat by the NY Red Bulls in the U.S. Open Cup, the Battery made the trip north for a two-match, four-day journey that would see the team playing a total of four matches in seven day.
Most people would say that after playing a tough match on Tuesday night, getting a result on the road would be great, getting two would be increadible.
But that is exactly what the boys did, while logging more than 1500 miles and 24 hours on the road. No small feat to be sure.
Auggie played a mixture of regular starters and bench players on Thursday night when the Battery took on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The Battery scored two goals just before the half from Nicki Paterson and then a third in the second half by Dane Kelly. The lone Pittsburgh goal coming from a penalty in the 60 minute, three minutes after former Battery trialist Matt Kassel was sent off with a red card as he deemed to be the last man as he took down Dane Kelly after he got in behind the defense.
Paterson's two goals make him the top scorer in USL Pro with nine games played.
Two days later the Battery took on the Dayton Dutch Lions, coming off a US Open Cup win over MLS's Columbus Crew.
Dayton has not won a match in the USL Pro this season (0-5-4) so it is always tough going up against that type of opponent.
The Battery again started a mix of players and the match seemed equal until the second half when the Battery began to step it up. Kelly's received a quick throw and crossed to Jose Cuevas, who put away a close range goal in the 70 minute to give him four goals for the season, good enough to be tied for second in goals scored in the league.
With the win Charleston moves to second in the USL Pro standing with 21 points. The Battery has a match in hand over first place Orlando City Lions, at 23 points and third place Rochester Rhinos, at 20 points.
The Battery's next match will be in Orlando against the Lions. The match will pit first place vs. second place with only two points dividing the two teams.
Up the Battery!
Most people would say that after playing a tough match on Tuesday night, getting a result on the road would be great, getting two would be increadible.
But that is exactly what the boys did, while logging more than 1500 miles and 24 hours on the road. No small feat to be sure.
Auggie played a mixture of regular starters and bench players on Thursday night when the Battery took on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The Battery scored two goals just before the half from Nicki Paterson and then a third in the second half by Dane Kelly. The lone Pittsburgh goal coming from a penalty in the 60 minute, three minutes after former Battery trialist Matt Kassel was sent off with a red card as he deemed to be the last man as he took down Dane Kelly after he got in behind the defense.
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| Nicki Paterson |
Two days later the Battery took on the Dayton Dutch Lions, coming off a US Open Cup win over MLS's Columbus Crew.
Dayton has not won a match in the USL Pro this season (0-5-4) so it is always tough going up against that type of opponent.
The Battery again started a mix of players and the match seemed equal until the second half when the Battery began to step it up. Kelly's received a quick throw and crossed to Jose Cuevas, who put away a close range goal in the 70 minute to give him four goals for the season, good enough to be tied for second in goals scored in the league.
With the win Charleston moves to second in the USL Pro standing with 21 points. The Battery has a match in hand over first place Orlando City Lions, at 23 points and third place Rochester Rhinos, at 20 points.
The Battery's next match will be in Orlando against the Lions. The match will pit first place vs. second place with only two points dividing the two teams.
Up the Battery!
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