BATTERY BEATS EAGLES QUALIFIES FOR US OPEN CUP WITH 1-0 WIN

The Charleston Battery defeated the Charlotte Eagles tonight (Saturday, June 1, 2002) at Charlotte Christian School Field by a score of one goal to none. Substitute forward, Mac Cozier scored the winning goal in the 68th minute. The win lifts the Battery (7-1-1, 33 points) into first place in the A-League Southeast Division and also to first place in the overall A-League standings. Charlotte drops to 5-5-1, 23 points, fourth place in the Southeast Division.

The game was the second of a back-to-back series, both matches doubled as US Open qualifiers. Charleston won the series with an aggregate score of five goals to two and qualifies for the Open Cup for the fourth year in a row. The Battery will enter the 2002 competition in the 2nd round and will face a D3, PDL or an amateur side. The 2nd round matches are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 26.

Charlotte made it difficult for the Battery throughout the game, posting a 22-7 edge in scoring and enjoying the majority of the possession. Striker, Dustin Swinehart led the way with four shots, but he was held at bay by a stellar goalkeeping performance from Charleston keeper, Dusty Hudock. Hudock made five saves, twice from point-blank range.

The only goal of the game came in the 68th minute. A spell of Battery pressure resulted in a goalmouth scramble. Midfielder, Morgan Zeba managed to slip the ball through to Mac Cozier at the edge of the 6-yard box. Cozier immediately fired home past, Eagles keeper, Richard Goddard.

The win is Charleston’s fourth straight in the league and gives Hudock his sixth shutout of the season.

Text taken from the wayback machine.